A Fife MP is urging people to get in touch if they encounter websites, which appear to look official but charge a fee for processing applications.
Peter Grant, SNP MP for Glenrothes and Central Fife, has created a dedicated section on his website for people to contact him if they have had to pay such fees.
He said: “There are a number of companies operating online who offer to process applications for things like TV licences or passports but who charge a fee to do so.
“While there appears to be nothing illegal about what these companies are doing, I’m concerned that people might end up paying much more than they need to because they think they’re on an officially approved web site.
​“I have contacted the UK Government to raise these concerns and have asked if there are there any plans to review the current regulations around online advertising and online trading to prevent commercial sites from mimicking official government sites. I am considering applying for a debate in Parliament about this.​”
