DVLA
issues another scam alert to all UK drivers
Tips for motorists on how to recognise and avoid scams, including
emails and text messages. DVLA is reminding motorists how they can
keep themselves safe from vehicle and driving licence scams. Latest
figures show that in 2024, almost 20,000 customers called DVLAs
contact centre to report fraudulent activity. More
See also Sophie Buchan's post on the Daily Express online site with
the useful alert in her piece. Link
Posted: 250522 |
DVLAs
top tips for avoiding scams
DVLA
is reminding motorists how they can keep themselves safe from
vehicle and driving licence scams. Latest figures show that
in 2024, almost 20,000 customers called DVLAs contact
centre to report fraudulent activity. With
fraudsters increasingly using more sophisticated ways to trick
their victims, it has never been more important for motorists
to be vigilant and aware of how to recognise fraudulent emails,
texts, websites and calls.
DVLAs top tips on how you can stay safe online
and how to recognise and avoid scams, including emails and text
messages. More
Only use GOV.UK
The only place to access official information on DVLA and its
services is GOV.UK. Using any other website could mean youll
be charged more for services that are either cheaper or completely
free on GOV.UK. Other websites may even be fraudulent, so our
advice is to always use GOV.UK when transacting with DVLA.
Never share your driving licence or vehicle information online
Getting your driving licence is a big milestone, and you may
be tempted to share your new shiny licence or V5C (log book)
on social media. However, both documents contain key identifying
details that scammers can use to steal your identity or even
clone your vehicle. And before you know it, you could be receiving
parking, congestion or speeding fines that you were not responsible
for. |
Beware of emails and texts asking you to confirm personal
details
Fraudsters will often send emails or text messages to unsuspecting
victims asking them to confirm personal details, such as bank
or payment information. They may even send messages that claim
you are entitled to a hefty vehicle tax refund. DVLA will never
ask you for your bank account details or ask you to confirm
payment details. DVLA will only ask you to confirm your personal
details by email or text if you have a live enquiry with them.
And vehicle tax refunds are issued automatically never
via an email with a link! If you receive one of these emails
or texts, do not click on any links. Instead, report it to the
National Cyber Security Centre and delete it immediately.
Beware of websites impersonating DVLA
Scammers create websites that attempt to impersonate DVLA and
may appear legitimate. These sites will often charge additional
fees for services you can get for free or at a lower cost on
GOV.UK, including driving licence applications, vehicle tax
transactions and Clean Air Zone (CAZ) payments. If you need
to use these or any other government services, always search
for them on GOV.UK.
How to report online scams
> Report phishing emails to the National
Cyber Security Centre
> Report online scams to Action
Fraud
> Report misleading adverts to search engines |
|