Beware phoney fines: Spanish scam targets holiday drivers

As the summer holiday season starts and people flock to sunnier climes, some may be facing more charges than they bargained for on their return.

The OFT is warning the public to be wary of a new fake fines scam targeting British holiday makers to Spain and the Canary Islands. Spanish firm DRAYES (Deuda Recuadar Alguacil Y Exigir Servicios) has been sending fines to UK consumers who have recently been to Spain and the Canary Islands on holiday for traffic offences they have not committed.

Neither the nature nor the date of the alleged traffic violations are specified, but the mailing demands payment of E129 (£86) and includes a bank slip to make the payment. The letters appear to be official documents, displaying a crest, reference numbers and citing legislation that does not exist.

They state that the recipient has committed a traffic violation, usually in Gran Canaria, and that DRAYES is collecting the fine on behalf of the Justice Departments of Spain and Gran Canaria.

On top of the fine the letter demands additional sums for court hearing costs and an administration. The letter states that failure to pay will result in the Spanish authorities seeking compensation in the British courts and threatens recipients with a County Court Judgment if they don't comply with the writ by a given date.

DRAYES is also operating under the names MCCREE (Medio Corte Credito Recoudado Estobar Exigir) and WHITE.

Penny Boys, Executive Director of the OFT, said:

'This is a very convincing scam: the content and presentation of the demand letters combined with the fact that most recipients have recently visited the destinations, makes it easy to understand how people could fall for these fraudulent claims. However anyone receiving these letters should not send any money.'

If you believe you may have committed a driving offence whilst on holiday in Spain you should contact the Spanish authorities - details below.

Direccion General de Trafico
Josefa Valcarcel 28
28071 Madrid
Tel:(0034 91) 301 8411/8413
Fax.(0034 91) 301 8196
http://www.dgt.es
E-mail: buzon.nr@dgtrafico.org