“I’m selling license points because I need them: 300 euros each. Possibility to negotiate. » “When I retire I will need money for a trip. I am selling my 3 license points for €1,000. » ”€300 to the point, it’s very urgent, I have children to feed…” These adverts flourish on specialized sites on the Web, but the profile and motivations of the sellers change: unemployed, pensioners or people in difficulty with a terrible financial situation, for for them it is no longer a question of making it to the end of the month but of making it to the end of the month.
The problem is that with the arrival of these new sellers, the supply is sometimes higher than the demand in some cities or regions (Paris and Ile-de-France, Lyon, Bordeaux, Poitiers, etc.). As a result, license points are no longer exchanged for 700 euros each as they were three years ago, when we revealed this new illegal practice from Spain (our July 11, 2007 edition). Now you can find them between 150 and 350 euros. And on the sites, sellers no longer hesitate to shout out their discomfort to appease the buyer, nor to sell off their points to solve their financial problems.
“These poverty markets have always existed,” explains Julien Damon, president of the National Observatory on Poverty. The news is that they are becoming technological. » And which no longer exclusively target the aces of fraud. Yet these cybercriminals risk heavy fines? although the pattern remains difficult to spot.
Of the 9,273,537 points withdrawn in 2009, the Ministry of the Interior is not able to establish how many were “negotiated” points. Furthermore, given the generalization of the phenomenon, the authorities will adopt by the end of the year a new legislative framework to sanction those who offer points for sale or offer to buy points. The text, adopted at first reading by the National Assembly, will be examined by the Senate in September. Meanwhile, on the Internet, advertisements in the form of requests for financial help are multiplying…
How can social safety nets help prevent the need for individuals to sell their license points?
Time.news Interview: The Chilling Trade of License Points Amid Economic Struggles
Editor (T.N.): Today, we have a rather urgent and concerning topic to discuss: the rising trend of individuals selling their driving license points as a means to cope with financial hardship. Joining us for this discussion is Dr. Emily Carver, an economic expert specializing in the impacts of financial crises on consumer behavior. Dr. Carver, thank you for being here.
Dr. Carver: Thank you for having me. It’s a pressing issue, and I’m glad to discuss it.
T.N.: To start, could you explain what driving license points are and why someone might be motivated to sell them?
Dr. Carver: Absolutely. In many countries, driving licenses have a point system where individual points can be deducted for traffic violations. If someone loses all their points, they can face severe penalties, including losing their license. However, it appears some individuals are willing to sell their license points, often in desperate situations, to garner quick cash—usually for basic needs such as food or family expenses.
T.N.: We’ve seen ads online where individuals are selling points for prices as high as €1,000 for three points. Why do you think there is such a drastic disparity in pricing?
Dr. Carver: The price often reflects urgency and desperation. For many sellers facing financial strain—whether they are unemployed, pensioners, or single parents—these license points represent a source of instant liquidity. They’re leveraging their points to negotiate a deal that might help them cover immediate needs, but that urgency can drive prices up significantly.
T.N.: It sounds like this practice has broader implications beyond the individuals involved. What does this say about the state of our economy?
Dr. Carver: That’s an excellent question. The fact that people are resorting to such measures indicates a broader economic crisis. When individuals feel pushed to sell potentially life-impacting assets, it signifies a breakdown in support systems. There’s a critical need for economic reassessment and intervention, preferably before people reach this level of desperation.
T.N.: Are there particular demographics that you find are more likely to engage in selling their license points?
Dr. Carver: Yes, we’ve seen a variety of demographics selling their points, notably the unemployed and elderly. The elderly may be looking to fund their retirement, as indicated in some advertisements like “When I retire, I will need money for a trip.” The emotionally compelling ads show the human side of this economic struggle—people are not just selling points; they’re often doing this to secure a better life for themselves or their families.
T.N.: Given these circumstances, what measures could be taken to address this issue?
Dr. Carver: There are several avenues for intervention. First, we need more robust social safety nets to support those facing financial difficulties. Governments must focus on providing better economic opportunities and education to prevent individuals from reaching such desperate measures. Moreover, raising awareness about illegal practices is crucial. Selling license points could lead to greater legal consequences for sellers and buyers, which may not be immediately apparent.
T.N.: Thank you, Dr. Carver, for shedding light on this concerning issue. Closing thoughts?
Dr. Carver: It’s essential that as a society, we’re aware of the struggles faced by individuals during economic downturns. We must approach these issues with empathy and find authentic solutions that empower people rather than force them into desperate decisions.
T.N.: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Carver. This topic needs continued discussion to foster awareness and action.
Dr. Carver: Thank you for addressing it. Let’s hope for positive change soon.