Drivers have been warned about a surge in scam emails claiming to be from the DVLA, with more than 1,100 reports received in just two weeks.
Now Action Fraud and the DVLA have identified a widespread phishing campaign targeting motorists across the UK with the agency warning drivers to be aware of fake sites.
The fraudulent emails specifically focused on vehicle tax payments, with scammers attempting to deceive drivers by claiming their payments had failed.
The scams are part of a coordinated effort by criminals to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting motorists.
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Action Fraud recorded more than 1,100 fraud cases in the last two weeks
ACTION FRAUD
In a social media post, retweeted by the DVLA, Action Fraud shared: “Action Fraud has received 1,186 reports in two weeks relating to fake emails purporting to be from DVLA. The emails claim that the recipients ‘vehicle tax payment has failed’.
“The payment links provided in the emails lead to genuine-looking DVLA websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial information.”
The National Cyber Security Centre warned that the messages contain payment links that direct drivers to websites that appear to be legitimate DVLA platforms.
However, these websites are designed to harvest personal and financial information from victims. The DVLA scam is particularly concerning due to its rapid spread, with more than 1,100 reports being logged.
The fraudulent websites mimic official DVLA platforms, making it difficult for drivers to distinguish them from genuine sites.
The NCSC reported that, as of September 2024, more than 35 million scams have been reported across the UK, with the Centre removing 196,000 scams spread across 358,186 URLs.
These targeted attacks are part of a broader cybercrime strategy that has seen a significant increase in sophisticated phishing attempts against UK residents.
The NCSC emphasised that reporting phishing attempts is crucial in fighting cybercrime and protecting other potential victims.
Its website detailed: “By reporting suspicious emails, drivers can help reduce the volume of scam communications they receive while making themselves harder targets for fraudsters.”
Motorists should be particularly wary of any unexpected emails claiming their vehicle tax payment has failed.
The NCSC stated that reporting these scams not only protects the individual but “helps safeguard others from falling victim to cybercrime”.
Data revealed that over 40 million adults across the UK have been targets of scammers over the last year. According to DVLA reports, the number of fraudulent DVLA messages rose by 603 per cent in a three-month period.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Previous examples of DVLA scam sites have urged drivers to pay car taxes
DVLA
Drivers should note that the DVLA will never ask for bank details on emails, and does not send text messages about vehicle tax refunds.
DVLA urged customers to report any suspicious emails they receive to the National Cyber Security Centre through their suspicious email service.
As well as forwarding any suspicious emails and texts, DVLA warned drivers never to share driving licence images and vehicle documents online. The same goes for bank details or personal data online and avoid websites offering to connect to DVLA’s contact centre.
