DVLA fake car tax refund scam - everything you need to know
Car owners warned against sharing info with bogus website that tells them they’re due for a car tax refund...
There’s a new phishing scam being sent to people via text message that tells them they’re due for a car tax refund and directs them to a phishing website that asks for their bank details.
What’s the scam?
People are being sent text messages stating: “Final request: DVLA Swansea have been trying to contact you, click below for more information”.
The following link takes them to an unsecure website that’s been mocked up to look like the official DVLA site, complete with the correct logo. In order to get the refund it states you’re in line for, it requests bank account details.
How can you avoid being caught out?
If you get a surprise text or email telling you you're inline for a refund, be wary, and delete it if you think it's a scam.
The DVLA has issued a reminder to its customers that the only official website for their information and services ends in gov.uk not govuk, which has been used by some scammers in emails.
It also stated: “We don’t send emails or text messages that ask you to confirm your personal details or payment information. If you get anything like this, don’t open any links and delete the email or text immediately.
“Similarly, if you get a call from someone claiming to be from DVLA who asks you for personal details or payment information, this isn’t us - so end the call immediately.”
What else should you look out for?
Some third-party websites pass themselves off as official sites, but then charge you an additional fee for a document or service that you could get for less – or even for free – on the proper website. Services they offer include driving licence applications and car tax renewals.
They may use DVLA in their web name and can appear above the official sites in online search results.
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