What is a Ghost MOT? Fraudulent MOT shocker
It seems that with each new day comes a new opportunity to defraud or to be defrauded. The Ghost MOT is just one of them.
Dodgy MOTs are not a new thing but the ‘Ghost MOT’ is certainly a new one on yours truly. A Ghost MOT is the practice of someone giving an MOT pass certificate for a car that has not undergone an MOT test. The car may not even be in the same county, or indeed, the same country!
Social media is full of ads from unscrupulous sellers advertising a guaranteed pass MOT for most classes of vehicles - including 3500kg vans!
For the punter, it may seem attractive to buy a guaranteed pass certificate for a fraction of the cost of putting their car right but just think of the dangers that they’re exposing themselves to, and the danger they’re exposing their family, friends and other road users to. Not to mention the fact that they’re breaking the law.
A fake MOT test can be dangerous for several reasons, it doesn’t provide an accurate assessment of the safety and roadworthiness of a vehicle. This means that a vehicle that is deemed fit to be on the road by a fake tester may actually be unsafe and pose a risk to the driver, passengers, and other road users.
A fake test can also be used to conceal faults and defects that may cause significant harm in the event of an accident. A fake MOT really undermines the integrity of the MOT system and undermines public confidence in the safety of vehicles on the road. A vehicle's condition can significantly deteriorate over 12 months, and if issues are not identified and addressed due to fake MOT certificates, you could be unknowingly driving a death trap. A vehicle with compromised safety features could lead to devastating accidents, potentially resulting in life-changing or life-ending injuries for multiple people.
An MOT is not just mindless red tape, it’s not a stealth tax - it’s a fairly basic safety inspection that ensures your car is roadworthy (i.e. safe to use on public roads). Nothing more, nothing less.
It’s simply impossible to test a car remotely and selling a Ghost MOT is a criminal offense that can result in imprisonment and heavy fines.
Protecting Yourself: A Vital Step
Protecting yourself from MOT fraud is essential. The easiest way to check for fake MOT certificates is by using the government's MOT history website. By entering your vehicle's registration number, you can verify the validity of the certificate. You can also check the past MOT history for your vehicle to ensure that it has not been issued fraudulent certificates in previous years.
You can also use a trusted service like BookMyGarage to find an MOT garage close to you; services like these allow you to read reviews from other customers and offer some peace of mind that you’re going to a reputable garage, many of whom offer collection and delivery services too.
How do I report MOT Fraud?
If you suspect someone of selling Ghost MOTs or committing MOT fraud, you can report it to the appropriate authorities. The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) takes these matters seriously and can be reached at 0800 0304 103 or inquiries@dvsa.gov.uk or by visiting https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-an-mot-tester
If you know of someone selling Ghost MOTs, or committing some other form of MOT fraud please report them using this link https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-an-mot-tester
If you’d like to learn more about MOT fraud and Ghost MOTs then please watch the video below. Also check out my book on Amazon!
