Did you know that nearly 20,000 people contacted the DVLA last year to report a suspected scam? As criminals and fraudsters become more advanced, it is becoming harder to sport these scams, which means it has never been more important for motorists to stay vigilant.
To help drivers stay safe, the DVLA has issued a number of tips to help recognise potentially fraudulent emails, texts, websites and calls…
1. Only use GOV.UK
The official GOV.UK website is the only legitimate source for DVLA services. Using other websites may result in unnecessary charges or expose you to fraudulent activities, so make sure that you are always using the gov.uk website when undertaking anything to do with the DVLA.
2. Protect your personal information
You should never share an image of your driving licence or any vehicle documents online. While it can be tempting to post about passing your driving test or share your shiny new licence, this is a gold mine to scammers and can contain essential information needed to steal your identity or clone your vehicle.
3. Be cautious of unsolicited communications
Fraudsters often send emails or texts claiming issues with your vehicle tax or offering refunds. The DVLA will never ask for your bank details via email or text. If you receive such messages, do not click on any links. Instead, report them to the National Cyber Security Centre and delete them immediately. It’s also worth remembering that vehicle tax refunds are issued automatically!
4. Watch out for impersonator websites
Some websites mimic the DVLA to trick users into paying for services that are free or cheaper on GOV.UK. Always verify the website's authenticity before entering any personal information, and to be 100% certain, search for the relevant service directly on the GOV.UK site.
How to report online scams
If you believe you have become a victim of a scam, or you believe you have found a fraudulent site or suspicious activity, you can:
- Report phishing emails to the National Cyber Security Centre
- Report online scams to Action Fraud
- Report misleading adverts to search engines
Following these tips and staying informed and cautious can help to protect you from falling victim to scams this year.