The Office of the Traffic Commissioner has become aware of a possible scam where someone attempts to impersonate a member of staff to recommend a service provider.

The Office of the Traffic Commissioner would never recommend any single company providing an industry service to operators.  This includes solicitors, transport consultants and those who recruit for the goods or PSV industry (this list is not exhaustive).

Scammers can make you think they are from a legitimate company.

•            If you weren’t expecting the call, be careful.

•            If you receive an unexpected request for your money or information, have the                              confidence to stop and challenge its authenticity. Criminals may lull you into a false                      sense of security when you’re out and about or rely on your defences being down                        when you’re in the comfort of your own home.

Remember it’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

Be careful in providing your personal details to someone calling you purporting to be from the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. We will never ask for your bank details over the phone. If you have any doubt, take a name and number and ring, or email the Office of the Traffic Commissioner using your usual contact details for assistance.

Remember the general advice if someone contacts you out of the blue by phone, email, or text message:

•            STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or                                information could keep you safe.

•            CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only                         criminals will try to rush or panic you.

•            PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and                      report it to Action Fraud.

•            PROCEED WITH CAUTION– use another device and contact the Office of the Traffic                      Commissioner directly.

The Take Five campaign is a HM Government backed campaign that helps prevent fraud and can be found at https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/ we would encourage you to follow their advice.

•            PROTECT OTHERS BY REPORTING FRAUD AND SCAMS - Reporting fraud and scams                      could help recover your money and catch the criminals responsible. If you’ve fallen for                a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk. If                        you’re in Scotland, please report to Police Scotland directly by calling 101 or Advice                    Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000. If you receive a scam text message you can                              forward it to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that                  generate spam on their networks. If a scam text claims to be from your bank, then                      you should also report it to them. You can also forward fake emails you’ve received to                report@phishing.gov.uk. Make sure you report scam ads appearing in paid-for space                  online by visiting the Advertising Standard Authority’s website where you can                                complete their quick reporting form.