Unscrupulous mechanics are exploiting social media platforms to sell fraudulent “ghost MOTs,” despite the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) introducing new regulations to combat the practice.
“Ghost MOTs” involve issuing MOT certificates without physically inspecting the vehicle. MailOnline discovered accounts on Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram offering these services for fees as low as £100.
Drivers provide their vehicle’s registration, VIN, and mileage, and a certificate is issued within two days. The DVSA’s new rules require mechanics to upload a photo of the vehicle on the garage ramp during the test. However, some providers claim they will use AI tools to circumvent this requirement.
The practice is financially lucrative for garages, as ghost MOTs can command up to four times the price of a legitimate inspection. Drivers also use them to avoid costly repairs.
Fraudulent MOTs undermine road safety. In a previous case, two mechanics were jailed for issuing fraudulent certificates, with a judge stating they had “gambled with people’s lives.”
Social media platforms are used to advertise these services. Accounts on Instagram and TikTok openly offer “passes without seeing vehicle.” The MailOnline contacted several accounts posing as buyers and were directed to Telegram groups to arrange purchases.
One provider claimed they would use AI to bypass the DVSA’s photo requirement. They also stated that the new regulations had increased the price of ghost MOTs.
The DVSA is trialling the photo requirement to deter fraudulent practices. They acknowledge that enforcement examiners will continue to play a crucial role in tackling fraud.
TikTok has removed some accounts after being alerted by the MailOnline, but others remain active. Instagram is investigating the flagged content.
Source: Daily Mail
