British motorists are being warned about a new DVLA car text message scam.
The fraudulent messages promise drivers a £50 refund on online purchases if they click on a link and enter their personal details.
But the DVLA has urged motorists to delete the text, via a post on Twitter, telling drivers that it does not send text or emails about refunds on vehicle excise duty.
British motorists are being warned about a new DVLA car text message scam. The messages promise drivers a £50 refund on online purchases if they click on a link and enter their personal details
The fake message reads: ‘We have recalculated your vehicle tax. You are owed £48.84 due to overpayment.’
Several baffled users have posted on social media after receiving the message.
But many were unconvinced by the attempts – with some not even owning a car.
Motorists have been warned it is a ‘phishing’ scam and not from the DVLA’s HQ in Swansea.
This scam appears to be the latest in a series of phishing schemes that seek to harvest unsuspecting peoples’ sensitive details voluntarily.
But the DVLA has urged motorists to delete the text, via a post on Twitter, telling drivers that it does not send text or emails about refunds on vehicle excise duty
The fake message reads: ‘We have recalculated your vehicle tax. You are owed £48.84 due to overpayment.’ Several baffled users have posted on social media after receiving the message
The phishing scams use official-looking websites which trick consumers into thinking they are authentic.
The DVLA scam even uses a fake ‘dvla.gov.uk’ domain in the web address to try and trick drivers.
In February, there were reports of Britons receiving threatening messages asking for cash for overdue payments.
Motorists have been warned it is a ‘phishing’ scam and not from the DVLA’s HQ in Swansea. This scam appears to be the latest in a series of phishing schemes that seek to harvest unsuspecting peoples’ sensitive details voluntarily
The phishing scams use official-looking websites which trick consumers into thinking they are authentic. The DVLA scam even uses a fake ‘dvla.gov.uk’ domain in the web address to try and trick drivers
While a scam in 2017 promised a £240 car tax refund but required motorists to send over their details beforehand.
The DVLA said: ‘We don’t send emails or text messages that ask you to confirm your personal details or payment information, such as for a vehicle tax refund.
‘If you get anything like this, don’t open any links and delete the email or text immediately.
‘We would also advise anyone concerned about texts, emails, and any suspicious online activity to report it to the Police via Action Fraud immediately – this can be done online at www.actionfraud.police.uk.
‘We’ve issued warnings about the scam emails and texts across our social media channels and published advice around staying safe online at www.gov.uk/government/news/dvla-warns-customers-to-stay-safe-online.’
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