Driving Licence Renewal Rip Off - Want Money Back!

pinkshoes

Dabla27 wrote: »

So I typed into google on how to get a replacement license as I had lost mine.

The first site that appears is drivinglicence.uk. Not scrutinising it enough clearly I go in, it all looks above board, filled in the required info and pay £50. I then receive a letter in the post from them and all their service provides is a pre printed a DVLA Application form with your details and charge you £50 for the priveledge. You still need to send this form off to DVLA and pay £20. I feel sick I fell for this. You can pick up these forms for free!!!

There is one major issue here and where I hope you can help me, the form they sent is actually blank. I phoned them up and all they can offer me is half my money back. Ive looked through their terms and conditions and I think more can be done but apparently that because they have done their checks and pre printed my details, which they haven't I still only get half my money back - help!!

I have searched stories online and they are quite well known. Fortunately I am getting something back, but it looks like there have been hundreds if not thousands conned into this and got nothing back. They also run a similar passport check facilty. Dont fall for it, go through the proper sites!!

Thats the thing with this, their site comes up first on google, once you're in the site they use all the same colours, fonts etc as the Government site, if whizzing through it like I did, you won't realise you are throwing away your money.

If anyone can help me with me refund issue or where I stand then that would be ideal!

The first site that appears is the correct GOV website.

The one you clicked on is a Google advert which always appear on the top. At the bottom of the website it says you can apply on the DVLA website and it indicates it will be free!!

I'm sure Watchdog mentioned these companies a while ago who were making gullable people pay for forms that are usually free, so might be worth contacting them.

Did they actually say that the £50 paid for the driving license?

How did you pay?

agrinnall

As suggested in your other thread on the Motoring board, chargeback for non-delivery of service is the way to go.

dalesrider

agrinnall wrote: »

As suggested in your other thread on the Motoring board, chargeback for non-delivery of service is the way to go.

Only if you do not receive what they say.....

And most people do.

Passport one. Sends out the printed app just as people type them onto their site :rotfl:


As a aside. ANY gov service is hit by these sites.

Makes you wonder just who set them up.

Passport office are telling people to go to their card provider on the basis they are fraud sites....
Funny how they are all legal and above board as far as DPA is concerned.
Sadly they get no where on this. As it is very clear on the sites exactly what you are paying for.

Dabla27_2

Ok so to update, I called their premium number to speak with them about my application, to say the man was hostile was an understatement. I assume they receive calls of complaint a lot. Anyways, explained everything to him, reeled off where they failed in there T's&C's and I have managed to get 50% of my money back, as they have apparently provided their service in the sense they checked my details, but I don't agree that sending a blank form can merit providing a service. Knowing that these guys have a track record of hanging up on you and never giving any money back I feel a 50% refund was a small but slightly rewarding victory in this whole situation. I emailed them to confirm what was discussed and have since received a reply saying my cheque will be with me in 7 working days (fingers crossed).

On top of that though, I receive a text from Tesco, my network provider, saying I have went over my bill. Look it up and the cost of the phone call came to just over £20!!!!! I phoned up Tesco explaining the situation and to see if they could do anything and thankfully they credited my account for the cost of the call. I wasn't expecting that in the slightest but I guess if you don't ask.....

Couldn't praise them highly enough.

So all in looks like this whole debacle is coming to an end to the tune of £25. Not something I will be doing again in a hurry. I am absolutely kicking my self for being so careless and have no one to blame but my self. Also got to give a shout out to Tesco mobile for their part in making this less of an expense, absolute credit to the mobile world.

zaax

Maybe you have a case against Google as well. There is only a slight change in colour showing that its is an advert and not a link to the real thing.

Also contact Identity Protect Limited who own the site

lightisfading

The website is more than explicit about what it actually offers.
RIGHT in the centre of the page, at 'eye level' so to speak when you open it, it states "We are not affiliated with DVLA, the UK government or any official body". Nevermind the numerous other mentions of what the DVLA offers in comparison, the fee payable to the DVLA after you have received the form, etc.

It also states on the google search results that it's an advert.

Aside from not fulfilling what they've agreed in filling in and checking the form, neither the company or google have done anything illegal.

I suggest you learn about the internet a bit more before you use it. How many other random companies have you given personal details to?