Police Scotland is issuing a warning to learner drivers after a resident in Ballater recently lost £325 after paying upfront for driving lessons advertised on Facebook. 

How the Scam Works

Fraudsters post cheap block-booking offers that are significantly below average market rates. 

Victims are pressured into transferring money via direct bank transfer. 

Once the funds are cleared, the criminal deletes the advert and blocks the buyer. 

Advice

Always verify that a driving instructor is registered with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) via GOV.UK before handing over any money. Speak to friends and avoid paying for full block bookings via direct bank transfer where possible. 

If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, contact your bank immediately using a known official number (such as the one on the back of your card) and report the incident to Police Scotland on 101. 

This messaging system is not for reporting crime as responses are not monitored 24/7.  If you have time-critical information regarding the content of the above message, or if you wish to report any other non-urgent matter, please call 101.  In an emergency, call 999.

Police Scotland’s North East Division covers rural and urban areas in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.  The division has five territorial command areas which have their own dedicated Area Commander, who is responsible for the daily policing function.  Each command area is served by a number of community policing teams whose activities are built around the needs of the local community.  These teams respond to local calls and look for long term solutions to key issues.  They are assisted by the division’s Crime Reduction Unit who deliver against Force and local priorities in a number of areas, including physical and social crime prevention, supporting and enhancing community engagement and creating and sustaining strong and effective partnership working.