Avoid unnecessary fees for European Health Insurance Card and UK Passports

17th July 2013

Highland Council Trading Standards is warning consumers to be on the lookout for websites demanding a fee when making an application for the NHS European Health Insurance Card (or EHIC) or UK Passport application. Searches on the internet and consumer complaints received by the service show that many websites are offering to “review” or “forward” an application form for an EHIC or UK Passport.

David MacKenzie, Highland Council Trading Standards Team Leader explains: “The websites look official but if you scroll to the bottom you will find a tick box asking for cash. Some websites state they provide a ‘fast track’ service for an extra fee on top of a ‘small service charge’ or ‘application processing fee’. Charges for processing applications can range from between £19.99 to £23.50.”

Highland Council’s Trading Standards want to make consumers aware that the EHIC card can be obtained FREE by going online and completing a simple application form through the official website at: www.ehic.org.uk”.

Highland Trading Standards Officers are also concerned about unofficial websites offering to ‘review’ and ‘forward’ UK Passport applications as well as scam emails and websites claiming to be part of the UK Border Agency. The UK Border Agency has reported instances of consumers receiving ‘cold-call’ telephone calls from persons posing as UK Border Agency officials requesting an up-front free for UK Passport applications.

Recent advice from The UK Border Agency has warned members of the public to be on their guard and not to respond to any suspicious emails, phone calls and websites regarding UK Passport applications. The UK Border Agency also state that they never use free email accounts such as Hotmail, yahoomail or gmail to contact members of the public. All enquiries and online applications for a UK Passport or travel visas can be obtained through the UK Border Agency website at: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/

Members of the public can report suspicious phone calls regarding applications for passports or visas to ‘Action Fraud’ on 0300 123 2040 or report suspicious emails or websites online at: www.actionfraud.org.uk

Mr MacKenzie adds: “While it isn't unlawful to charge for a reviewing and forwarding service, tricking consumers into spending on unwanted services is. If a consumer thinks they may have been duped into sending off a fee for either an EHIC card or an additional fee to review and forward their UK Passport application they should report this matter to us.”

Consumers can contact Highland Council’s Trading Standards directly either in person or in writing at: The Highland Council, Trading Standards Service, 38 Harbour Road, Inverness IV1 1UF or speak to an advisor on 08454 04 05 06.

For further Highland Trading Standards news please go to: www.highland.gov.uk/tradingstandardsnews

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Today : Employment Services

What Are the Options for Scottish Pupils Who Do Not Want the Traditional Academic Route?

Parents of teenagers in England are being told that they will need to understand a new range of vocational qualifications as their children approach the age of 14.   The Career Development Institute has welcomed the introduction of new Vocational GCSEs, which are due to start being introduced in England from 2029.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

The £27 Million Energy Bill Facing Highland Council – And NHS Highland's Hidden Cost

Rising energy prices are a problem for households and businesses, but there is another very large energy bill that receives much less attention.   Highland Council operates one of the largest public-sector property estates in Scotland, while NHS Highland runs hospitals, health centres, clinics and other facilities across an enormous geographical area.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Public invited to Justice Service open days in Fort William and Wick

The Highland Council’s Justice Social Work teams in Lochaber and Caithness will be hosting open days in Fort William on Tuesday 6 October and Wick on Friday 9 October 2026.   The open days will provide members of the public with an opportunity to gain an insight into the Justice Service and find out more about the excellent work going on locally.  

23/9/2026 : Local Authority

Launch of New Transport Service for Renal Patients in Highland

NHS Highland and The Highland Council are pleased to announce the launch of a new bespoke year-round transport service for renal haemodialysis patients across Highland.   Funded through a grant from NHS Highland, the service marks the first phase of a new approach to patient transport delivery, designed to support the long-term development of a more sustainable, flexible and community-focused transport model for Highland.  

23/9/2026 : Local Authority

Economy and Infrastructure Committee to consider next steps on proposed Short Term Let Control Areas

Members of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee will meet next Monday (28 September 2026) to consider whether to progress proposals for new Short Term Let Control Areas across parts of Highland.   At the special meeting, councillors will be asked to consider the findings of a public consultation on proposed control areas covering Inverness City and a wider Highland Rural area, before deciding whether the proposals should be submitted to Scottish Ministers for approval.  

22/9/2026 : Local Authority

Scotland's Local Government Reform: More Local Power or Mainly a Search for Savings?

The Scottish Government is proposing a major reshaping of local government, with fewer regional authorities and many more community-level bodies making decisions closer to where people live.   The language is about local democracy, stronger communities and bringing decisions closer to people.  

22/9/2026 : Local Authority

Local Government Set For Huge Changes

Initial proposals designed to deliver fundamental reform of local governance have been set out to help shape the debate on improving public services.   The possible changes, if implemented, could help achieve a better balance of decision-making powers across the public sector to ensure investment is focused on delivering improved services.  

21/9/2026 : Local Authority

Council Tax Reform: Just How Many Scots Took Part in the Debate?

Council tax is one of those bills that most households know only too well.   It arrives every month or in a series of instalments, and it helps pay for services ranging from rubbish collection and roads to schools, social care and other council services.  

19/9/2026 : Local Authority

Why Scotland Is Reorganising Public Services – And Why Highland Could Feel the Impact More Than Most

Something important is happening in Scotland's public services, and it goes considerably further than another round of annual budget cuts.   The Scottish Government is now talking about changing the way public services themselves are organised.  

18/9/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council's £2.1 Billion Investment Plan: Could Higher Interest Rates Put the Squeeze on Future Budgets?

Highland Council is planning to spend around £2.1 billion over 20 years on schools, roads, housing, community facilities and other infrastructure.   It is an ambitious programme, and one which could bring considerable benefits across the Highlands.