Widespread certificate fraud endangers lives—are you guilty of it?
- Replies 5
Australians are being cautioned about a dangerous and illegal trend on the roads that's endangering lives and could land vehicle owners in hot water with the law.
The issue is the circulation of 'dodgy' roadworthy certificates for secondhand cars, a practice that's becoming increasingly common due to online scammers.
These scammers impersonate legitimate businesses and issue what appear to be authentic roadworthy certificates without ever examining the vehicle.
The internet's convenience has brought many advantages to our daily lives, but it has also opened the door to new forms of fraud.
It's not uncommon to stumble upon ads promising '100 per cent guaranteed' roadworthy certificates on social media platforms like Facebook.
These certificates are issued sight unseen, meaning the car may not yet have been inspected for safety, potentially making it a ticking time bomb on wheels.
Rod Camm from the Motoring Trades Association has raised the alarm, warning that all scammers need to produce these fake documents with a few details about the car, such as its registration, type of vehicle, and VIN.
With this information, they can forge a digital certificate that is often indistinguishable from the real thing.
This alarming trend is particularly rife in Queensland, where road fatalities have seen a worrying increase in the first half of 2024.
Business owners like Michael Georges of Absolute Car Care in Brisbane are feeling the brunt of this scam, with counterfeit certificates bearing their business details leading to confrontations with angry customers who've been duped.
‘We've been getting a lot of phone calls from irate customers,’ he said.
‘People's lives are in danger. It's a real serious issue.’
Authorities are not turning a blind eye to this dangerous scam.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has acknowledged the issue and is working to combat it.
They've issued a stern warning that vehicles registered or attempted to be registered with a fraudulent certificate will be subject to action, including the cancellation of registration.
TMR's Director General Sally Stannard has urged Australians to avoid these scammers.
‘TMR is aware that a number of certificates are being issued for sight-unseen vehicles, many of which are highly defective and would not pass a vehicle safety inspection,’ the road authority stated.
‘Where a vehicle is registered or attempted to be registered using a fraudulent certificate, TMR will issue a notice to the vehicle owner requiring the owner to obtain a new safety certificate or the registration will be cancelled.’
‘TMR is also aware of fraudulent certificates being issued by third parties on social media who are not accredited by TMR under the AIS [approved inspection station] scheme,’
‘TMR is engaging with the Office of Fair Trading and Queensland Police Service on this matter.’
She further emphasises the importance of a proper physical inspection by an accredited provider and reminds buyers to do their due diligence when purchasing a used vehicle.
‘Buying a safety certificate on social media like Facebook or via text message without a proper physical inspection by an accredited provider could cost you dearly,’ Stannard said.
‘Choosing a used vehicle is a big decision. I urge buyers to research and inspect the vehicle you plan to buy and know your rights when buying it.’
In a concerning twist, it has been discovered that some drivers intentionally seek out these fraudulent certificates to avoid the costs of bringing a vehicle up to minimum safety standards for sale or registration.
‘Buyers of fraudulent certificates should be aware that presenting a false or improperly obtained safety certificate is an offence and that they can be prosecuted,’ TMR insisted.
In a related news, a Sydney driver was fined $387 and received three demerit points for using a dangerously defective seatbelt held together with duct tape.
The fine was issued by the New South Wales Police Traffic and Highway Patrol following a random stationary test in Richmond, located in the city's northwest. Read more about the incident here.
Have you or someone you know been affected by this scam? Share your experiences in the comments below.
The issue is the circulation of 'dodgy' roadworthy certificates for secondhand cars, a practice that's becoming increasingly common due to online scammers.
These scammers impersonate legitimate businesses and issue what appear to be authentic roadworthy certificates without ever examining the vehicle.
The internet's convenience has brought many advantages to our daily lives, but it has also opened the door to new forms of fraud.
It's not uncommon to stumble upon ads promising '100 per cent guaranteed' roadworthy certificates on social media platforms like Facebook.
These certificates are issued sight unseen, meaning the car may not yet have been inspected for safety, potentially making it a ticking time bomb on wheels.
Scammers sold illegal 'roadworthy' certificates online, compromising vehicle safety on Australian roads. Credits: 7News / YouTube
Rod Camm from the Motoring Trades Association has raised the alarm, warning that all scammers need to produce these fake documents with a few details about the car, such as its registration, type of vehicle, and VIN.
With this information, they can forge a digital certificate that is often indistinguishable from the real thing.
This alarming trend is particularly rife in Queensland, where road fatalities have seen a worrying increase in the first half of 2024.
Business owners like Michael Georges of Absolute Car Care in Brisbane are feeling the brunt of this scam, with counterfeit certificates bearing their business details leading to confrontations with angry customers who've been duped.
‘We've been getting a lot of phone calls from irate customers,’ he said.
‘People's lives are in danger. It's a real serious issue.’
Authorities are not turning a blind eye to this dangerous scam.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has acknowledged the issue and is working to combat it.
They've issued a stern warning that vehicles registered or attempted to be registered with a fraudulent certificate will be subject to action, including the cancellation of registration.
Scammers forged digital roadworthy certificates using only a car's registration, type, and VIN, putting people at risk. Credit: 7News / YouTube
TMR's Director General Sally Stannard has urged Australians to avoid these scammers.
‘TMR is aware that a number of certificates are being issued for sight-unseen vehicles, many of which are highly defective and would not pass a vehicle safety inspection,’ the road authority stated.
‘Where a vehicle is registered or attempted to be registered using a fraudulent certificate, TMR will issue a notice to the vehicle owner requiring the owner to obtain a new safety certificate or the registration will be cancelled.’
‘TMR is also aware of fraudulent certificates being issued by third parties on social media who are not accredited by TMR under the AIS [approved inspection station] scheme,’
‘TMR is engaging with the Office of Fair Trading and Queensland Police Service on this matter.’
She further emphasises the importance of a proper physical inspection by an accredited provider and reminds buyers to do their due diligence when purchasing a used vehicle.
‘Buying a safety certificate on social media like Facebook or via text message without a proper physical inspection by an accredited provider could cost you dearly,’ Stannard said.
‘Choosing a used vehicle is a big decision. I urge buyers to research and inspect the vehicle you plan to buy and know your rights when buying it.’
In a concerning twist, it has been discovered that some drivers intentionally seek out these fraudulent certificates to avoid the costs of bringing a vehicle up to minimum safety standards for sale or registration.
‘Buyers of fraudulent certificates should be aware that presenting a false or improperly obtained safety certificate is an offence and that they can be prosecuted,’ TMR insisted.
In a related news, a Sydney driver was fined $387 and received three demerit points for using a dangerously defective seatbelt held together with duct tape.
The fine was issued by the New South Wales Police Traffic and Highway Patrol following a random stationary test in Richmond, located in the city's northwest. Read more about the incident here.
Have you or someone you know been affected by this scam? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Last edited:
.png){kind=icon}
