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Fake certificates are flooding the market, VESA warns

Within South Africa a large portion of certificates issued for gearlocks and immobilisers are in some respect fake. This is the warning from the Vehicle Security Association of South Africa (VESA).

Every year millions of rands are lost by consumers and the insurance industry through misrepresentation. Common malpractices included outlets misrepresenting themselves as VESA members. Many go so far as to use stolen certificates or use products that have not been approved by the organisation. "Sometimes they go so far as to fake certificates," says Philip Maskrey, VESA's Divisional Manager.

Another ploy, Maskrey says the public should watch out for, is the practice of printing VESA certificates on company letterheads. These are not accepted by insurers, however, the concern is that the public is not aware of what the certificate looks like. "Also, certificates are sometimes photocopied," says Maskrey.

According to Maskrey the public can protect themselves from industry fly-by-nighters by always checking that a particular outlet is registered with VESA. "On the certificate will be the serial number of the particular gearlock or immobiliser."

For a company to become VESA approved, their products and services have to meet three requirements. These being firstly that their gearlock or immobiliser was approved by the Accreditation Bureau for Security and Safety.

To be VESA approved, the product has to be installed by a VESA member in good standing. The third requirement is the issue by a VESA member of the VESA certificate of approval in the prescribed manner for that particular year.

"Customers can recognise the level of excellence our members have through our unique grading system, where gold represents the best service, then silver and last blue," explains Maskrey.

For details contact VESA, (011) 315 3588.

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