The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a fresh warning to drivers about a surge in phishing scams targeting motorists. Fraudsters are sending fake texts and emails that mimic official DVLA communications, aiming to steal personal and financial information.
Among the latest scams, drivers have reported receiving messages claiming they are owed a vehicle tax refund or that their direct debit payment has failed. One example text reads: 'After our recent annual calculations, you have overpaid by £103.07. Please follow our link in order to claim your refund.' Another warns: 'Your bank has declined twice the latest direct debit payment. If you will not update your information, your vehicle is no longer taxed.'
The DVLA has stressed that it will never ask recipients to reply, provide personal or bank details, or log into an account via a text or email. In a tweet, the agency advised: 'Watch out for ‘phishing’ text or email messages, like these. DVLA will never ask you to reply, give personal or bank details or ask you to log into an account.'
Drivers who receive suspicious messages are urged to report them to the National Cyber Security Centre or Action Fraud. Victims of fraud should contact their bank immediately and report the incident to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
