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Theoretical driving license test (symbol image): In Rhineland-Palatinate, 134 examinees were caught cheating
Photo: Rolf Vennenbernd / dpa
With a hidden mini camera in the FFP2 mask, learner drivers try to cheat on the theoretical driving test.
In 2021, 134 examinees in Rhineland-Palatinate were found out, reports TÜV Rheinland.
How many may have gotten away with this scam is difficult to estimate.
However, such cases of fraud are increasing in the theoretical driving license tests, as a spokesman for TÜV Rheinland said.
In 2020, 96 examinees across Rhineland-Palatinate were caught trying to cheat through the mask.
The trick is now a nationwide phenomenon.
The SWR had previously reported on the subject.
How does the scam work?
The scammers sew small cameras into the FFP2 mask that the examinees wear, it is said.
The camera then films the questions and answers during the exam through a small hole.
The images are to be transmitted to an accomplice who gives a signal when the examinee moves the mouse over the correct answer.
The accomplice then vibrates the cell phone or a hidden buzzer on the examinee's body.
"There is a criminal gang at work that sells this technology," said the spokesman for TÜV Rheinland.
detectors in action
In order to track down the fraudsters, one uses, among other things, detectors that are supposed to recognize the forbidden technology.
The TÜV also sensitizes the examiners to pay attention to conspicuous behavior of the learner drivers during the test.
According to the spokesman, anyone who is caught doing so may only repeat the theory test after six weeks.
After a change in the driving license regulation, fraudsters are to remain blocked for nine months in the future.
The scam with a camera at the driver's license test is not new.
»It used to be the button camera, now it's the FFP2 mask.
What's next?' said the announcer.
TÜV Rheinland warns how dangerous these attempts at deception are: "If the learner drivers get away with it, they drive cars on the streets even though they are not suitable for it."
ptz/dpa