DISABLED drivers in Dorset are being targeted by an online Blue Badge scam, Trading Standards officers have warned.

Unregulated copycat Blue Badge websites, purporting to deal with applications and renewals for the disabled parking concession scheme, are promising quick and easy applications - but in reality they're charging unsuspecting motorists at least £49 to complete fake application forms.

As these scam websites have absolutely no authority to issue the badges, residents being caught out by the online deception are still forced to submit their applications to County Hall and pay a further £10 for the genuine fee.

Issuing a stark warning, Dorset County Council Trading Standards service manager Ivan Hancock issued said: "Steer clear of these rip-off sites. Many are based overseas so are difficult to tackle when problems arise.

"The official Blue Badge costs £10 and you can find more information on the eligibility requirements and how to apply for or to renew a Blue Badge through the council’s website or through the government’s official gov.uk pages.

"There are all sorts of scams based on applications for official documents we need so all consumers need to stay alert to this risk."

Mr Hancock said it is best to use the official ‘gov.uk’ websites for any government services such as renewing driving licences, passports or European Health Insurance Cards.

To report a problem with a copycat website contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06. This is the first point of contact for consumer advice or to report any consumer problem to Trading Standards.

For information about the Blue Badge scheme and how to apply please visit: www.dorsetforyou.com/blue-badge .