Macclesfield MP David Rutley MP is warning local residents to beware of rip off third party websites when applying for Government services online.
A number of websites are cropping up online supposedly offering to provide help to applicants for a range of services, including driving licences and European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs). The websites charge a fee for completing an application form on the individual’s behalf; this can see the cost of an application spiral. For example, one website offers to help you apply for an EHIC at a cost of £24.50, the card is actually free of charge.
While these websites are not illegal, they are not a necessary part of the application process. Many of the sites are found at the top of search engines in the sponsored or ‘paid for’ results sections. Applicants can avoid the websites by using the www.gov.uk to direct them to the official application forms they need.
David was prompted to raise awareness of these sites after he was contacted by a constituent. A 16 year old family member had applied for a provisional driving licence through a third party website. The cost of the licence was inflated from £50 to £90 as a result.
The constituent said, “Although these companies may be claiming to provide a service and technically operating within the law, the use of ‘copy cat’ domain names, targeting of teenagers and taking advantage of being able to pay to appear first in searches is an unethical scam that should be highlighted.”
David said, “Unfortunately, this family is not alone in falling victim to these scams. Third party websites are a real rip off and are hitting people in the pocket. It is important that people are on the lookout for these websites. Many of the sites look legitimate and can easily catch you out. The best thing to do is to visit www.gov.uk so that you know you are making a genuine application at a fair price.”