The vehicle-related crime is on the high rise. The tech-savvy opportunists are not leaving any stone unturned from cloning the registration plates, theft of vehicles through keyless entry systems, etc. The motorists are in great danger.
Majority of the car owners are continuing with DVLA onsite services. But, it is a cause of concern. Many people are not aware of the services and how DVLA look after these services and process them. We can give a big thanks to the SEO that is Search Engine Optimization. The websites are appearing in the web searches and providing as well as charging for the online services that are offered by the DVLA from free-in particular, SORN declaration services that are online.
These specific websites may appear legitimate. They have certain disclaimers that they are DVLA affiliated. The service charges are displayed. They are continuously scamming unsuspected car owners and snatching money for the service that is rendered by the DVLA for free.
If you want to declare your SORN, you can visit: www.gov.uk/make-a-sorn
Even, you can receive fake emails and text messages from the scammers. These emails and messages usually state that you are due road tax refunds, or you can encounter penalties for not declaring your vehicle SORN, etc.
You can understand that certain emails or text messages are false if you find:
- Threatening or warning language
- Grammar full of error
- Greeting like ‘dear valued driver’
- Spelling mistakes
- Wrong URL web address
- Any request for personal information
Remember that any legitimate businesses won’t send any unsolicited text messages or emails requesting motorists to update their data.
As per the statement of the DVLA, they don’t send text messages or emails along with websites links that ask people to confirm their details or payment info. Hence, it is strongly advised by the DVLA to the people who get such requests not to pen such suspicious links and immediately delete the mail or message.
If you click on such scam links, you will be taken to a web page that appear as convincing as the official page of the DVLA containing the logo of DVLA. The layout of the page is similar. Be aware to check the URL at the top of the screen. You can identify the DVLA web address by .gov.uk.
Don’t hesitate to report the mail or messages. If you notice any misleading and suspicious emails, phone calls, websites, text messages, etc. immediately notify DVLA or contact the National Fraud and Crime Reporting Center. The DVLA has given useful information Scam Warning For DVLA Customers.
In the UK, the motorists are specially targeted by criminals. They pose as the DVLA so that people get easily cheated by thinking the real DVLA is sending those requests. Hence, innocent motorists become vulnerable to the extortion of money and stealing of data. The messages refer to the distinct refund amount for the road tax. The wording varies slightly on every message.
Let’s read some of the scams:
“We would like to notify you that you still have an outstanding vehicle tax refund of £92.31 from an overpayment,”. This statement is attached to a link that is undoubtedly malicious.
“We have identified that you still have an outstanding vehicle tax refund of £61.77 from an overpayment, request your refund.” A link is given with it.
Now you know the kind of messages and emails you can get from the scammers.
As the car tax rates have met a change twice in 12 months, the motorists may get confused about the tax rate they are supposed to be paying and are not sure whether they are entitled to any refund. The scammers are taking undue advantage of the public confusion as a medium to launch the mass phishing scam.
The messages and the emails are well crafted and people may think that they are arriving from a legitimate source. Hence, the users may click the spiteful link and pass the sensitive information.
The DVLA has informed the customers to stay away from sending of messages and emails with provision to the personal details and payment information.
Always be careful about what you are conveying to any stranger. Be safe from the scams. If you suspect anything, report immediately.
