Warning as DVLA tells drivers ‘never’ as 20,000 | Tech News

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has urged motorists to “never” do one factor online as they might be “targeted”. In 2024, roughly 20,000 people reported fraudulent exercise from scammers posing as the authority, it stated.

In a assertion posted on social media platform X, the DVLA stated: “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 cautioned that fraudsters are “increasingly” utilizing “more sophisticated ways” to trick their victims.

It said: “It has by no means been more important for motorists to be vigilant and conscious of how to recognise fraudulent emails, texts, web sites and calls.”

As half of its steering, it suggested people to “beware” of sure emails, texts, and web sites. And it warned people to “never” share driving licence or vehicle data online.

Here are the DVLA’s key suggestions on how you’ll be able to keep secure online.

Never share your driving licence or vehicle data online

The DVLA cautioned in opposition to 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.”

Only use GOV.UK

GOV.UK is the “only place” to acquire official data relating to 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.”

Be cautious of emails and texts

If an electronic mail or textual content message requests affirmation of personal data, you need to be extraordinarily cautious. 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 in 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 confused that vehicle tax refunds are all the time processed routinely – by no means by hyperlinks distributed through electronic mail. If you obtain such emails or texts, chorus from clicking any hyperlinks. Instead, report it to the National Cyber Security Centre and instantly delete the message.

Beware of web sites impersonating the DVLA

The DVLA cautions that fraudsters create web sites designed to mimic the official DVLA platform and will seem genuine. “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 clarified.

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

Reporting online scams

If you encounter any of these scams or every other doubtful exercise, you’ll be able to contribute to the struggle in opposition to fraud by:

• Reporting phishing emails to the National Cyber Security Centre
• Reporting online scams to Report Fraud (previously 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.