DVLA reveals how to spot a car tax scam and what to do to avoid falling victim online
Fraudsters pretending to be the DVLA are using fake messages to try to steal your bank details - here's how to spot a con before it catches you out
THE DVLA has revealed its top tips to help motorists avoid falling victim to an online scam.
Drivers have been targeted recently by crooks posing as the Government agency by using fake emails and text messages to try to steal bank details.
Just last week, the DVLA warned motorists of a car tax con claiming a driver's payment had failed and requesting details be updated via a dodgy website link.
And in the last three months of 2018 alone, the agency received a whopping 1,275 reports of suspected online scams targeting motorists.
In light of Safer Internet Day, the agency has now released its best tips to help drivers spot a fraudulent message.
Most importantly, drivers are being told to only use gov.uk web pages for all online services, and to steer clear of third party websites.
DVLA's top 7 tips to avoid online car scams
- Only use GOV.UK: When looking for information or using online services, double check that you're using a webpage to be sure you’re dealing directly with DVLA.
- Scam emails: DVLA never sends emails asking you to confirm your personal details or payment information. If you get anything like this, don’t open any links and delete the email immediately.
- Beware of misleading third party websites: These sites will often offer to help you apply for a driving licence or tax your car but are likely to charge additional fees for services that you could get cheaper or for free on .
- Look out for premium rate numbers: Beware of websites offering to connect you by phone to a DVLA contact centre, as they are usually premium rate numbers. DVLA contact centre numbers will only ever begin with 0300 – which costs the same as a local call.
- Be mindful of what you share online: Never share images online of your driving licence and vehicle documents. This personal information could be invaluable to those looking to steal the identity of a vehicle or its owner.
- Texts: DVLA never sends texts about vehicle tax refunds. Text scams ask you to follow a link to provide credit card details. Never click on the link and delete the text straight away.
- Report any suspected scams: If you're concerned about any calls, texts, emails or suspicious online activity, report it to the Police via Action Fraud immediately.
Brits should be aware the DVLA will never send emails or texts asking to provide payment details, while a premium rate phone number could be a sign of a scam.
Dave Pope, Chief Information Security Officer at DVLA, said: “When looking for contact details or any of DVLA’s digital services, you should only use GOV.UK so you can be sure that you’re dealing directly with DVLA.
“Posting on social media is a way of life for most drivers, however they may not realise they risk setting themselves up as a prime target for fraudulent activity.
“People can stay ahead of the criminals by being vigilant with their personal information and who they share it with, and reporting anything suspicious to the Police via Action Fraud.”
Criminals have pretended to be the DVLA in the past with a number of phishing emails and text messages.
In February last year, a number of drivers reported receiving a dodgy "final request" text message from a number claiming to be the DVLA.
It asked motorists to head to a fake DVLA website and enter their details.
Another scam tried to prey on drivers by offering them a refund on their vehicle tax.
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A spokesperson for Action Fraud said: “We know that fraudsters are increasingly using more sophisticated ways to trick their victims, and so it is important that members of the public think about their online behaviour and ensure that they do everything they can to protect themselves.
“Taking measures such as limiting the amount of personal information shared on social media platforms and being cautious of any unsolicited messages received can help to prevent online crime.
“You should always be cautious when sharing personal information online. Always check that who you dealing with really is who they claim to be – for example, by only using GOV.UK when accessing government services online, such as the DVLA.
“If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please report it us via our online reporting tool or by phone 0300 123 2040.”