DVLA says ‘beware’ as 20,000 UK drivers targeted | Tech News

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued an pressing warning as motorists are being “targeted”. In 2024, roughly 20,000 people reported fraudulent exercise from scammers posing as the authority, it stated.

In a assertion shared on social media platform X, the DVLA declared: “Unsure if the message you’ve received from DVLA is genuine? Learn how to spot scams with our official guidance.”

On the Government web site, the DVLA warned that fraudsters are “increasingly” using “more sophisticated ways” to deceive their victims.

It said: “It has never been more important for motorists to be vigilant and aware of how to recognise fraudulent emails, texts, websites and calls.”

As half of its steering, it suggested people to “beware” of sure emails, texts, and web sites. Here are the DVLA’s key suggestions on how you possibly can stay secure online.

Only use GOV.UK

GOV.UK is the “only place” to acquire official data concerning DVLA and its companies. “Using any other website could mean you’ll be charged more for services that are either cheaper or completely free on GOV.UK,” the DVLA said.

“Other websites may even be fraudulent, so our advice is to always use GOV.UK when transacting with DVLA.”

Never disclose your data online

More particularly, the DVLA cautioned towards sharing your driving licence or vehicle particulars 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,” it famous.

“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

If an e-mail or textual content message requests affirmation of personal data, it is best to train excessive warning. The DVLA warned: “Fraudsters will often send emails or text messages to unsuspecting victims asking them to confirm personal details, such as bank or payment information.

“They might even ship messages that declare you’re entitled to a hefty vehicle tax refund. DVLA won’t ever ask you on your bank account particulars or ask you to verify cost particulars.

“We will only ask you to confirm your personal details by email or text if you have a live enquiry with us.”

The organisation emphasised that vehicle tax refunds are all the time processed mechanically – by no means by way of hyperlinks distributed through e-mail.

Should you obtain such emails or texts, keep away from clicking any hyperlinks. Instead, report it to the National Cyber Security Centre and delete the message right away.

Beware of web sites impersonating the DVLA

The DVLA warns that fraudsters develop web sites designed to imitate the official DVLA platform and should look real. “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,” it defined.

“If you need to use these or any other government services, always search for them on GOV.UK.”

Reporting online scams

If you come throughout any of these scams or another suspicious exercise, you possibly can play your half in combating fraud by:

• Reporting phishing emails to the National Cyber Security Centre
• Reporting online scams to Report Fraud (beforehand recognized as Action Fraud)
• Reporting deceptive adverts to search engines like google and yahoo

For more data, go to the Government web site right here.