When DVSA set out its strategy for 2030 back in 2023, combating fraud plus “making it easier to identify and support those getting things wrong” were key focus areas. Connected equipment has been a part of that too. Now, the department has published an article explaining what has been done and how that will impact garages.
In South Africa, Tiger Wheel & Tyre has acknowledged that a vehicle was “fraudulently collected by an unauthorised individual posing as collecting said vehicle on behalf of the owner”. The salutary tale highlights the importance of following protocol and ensuring the right checks and balances are in place when it comes to post-work vehicle collection.
The Italian Guardia di Finanza has discovered large-scale online tyre fraud. According to our sister publication Pneusnews.it, the investigation has led to the execution of five “personal precautionary measures” for VAT fraud in the Italian online tyre trade and the seizure of about 40 million euros by Turin European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
On 23 February 2023, David Stephen Carden was convicted of recording MOTs to vehicles which hadn’t entered the MOT garage he worked for on Duckmoor Road, Ashton Gate, Bristol.
The sales manager of Wales-based garage equipment supplier Oakmain Ltd received a suspended custodial sentence on 16 January 2023. Newport Crown Court found that Thomas Richard Woods “knowingly providing false information in the form of forged solicitors letters to secure MOT garage applications” following a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) investigation. The company reportedly also completed the MOT Station application (VT01) form, which is required to set up an MOT test station on behalf of customers. The DVSA described the case as “the first-ever prosecution for providing fraudulent solicitors letters used as part of MOT garage applications.”
An MOT tester has received an eight-month suspended custodial sentence for issuing 31 MOT certificates without carrying out the tests, at Taunton Crown Court on 26 August 2022. He was also banned from MOT testing for five years by DVSA.
No, the legendary Australian band isn’t touring Europe – so if your car breaks down and an ‘ACDC’ truck stops to help, there may be some Dirty Deeds afoot.
Grantham Capital Ltd, which bought well-known independent retreader Vaculug Traction Tyres 18 months ago, filed a £7.2 million fraud action against Vaculug’s former owners on 16 January 2020.
The Federation of Engine Remanufacturers (FER) is warning the industry to avoid and report any suspicious engine remanufacturers as there has been an increase in fraudulent activity with some increasing prices for sub-standard and unprofessional work.
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) Trusted Dealers has carried out a survey of 1,000 drivers which found that almost two thirds (57 per cent) of motorists surveyed do not know how to check if their vehicle has been clocked, and the majority (57 per cent) said they are worried about buying a car that has had its mileage altered.
The IAAF’s latest breakfast network meeting will provide members with advice on corporate fraud, acknowledging recent increases in fraud cases. Held at IAAF head office, Castle Bromwich on Thursday 24 September, Colin Fyles from Financial and Credit Insurance Services Limited will examine, using in-depth case studies, the different types of corporate fraud, where your company could be targeted and how to combat and avoid it.
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Gardia di Financia
Arek Socha; Pixabay
