DVLA issues urgent warning over car tax e-mails landing at top of inbox

The DVLA has issued an urgent warning over scammers targeting thousands of drivers with a car tax threat. 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.

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.” Roger Mapleson, Lead member for Trading Standards and Licensing, said, “Scam emails of this type are used to scare people into making poor decisions in order to avoid a fine. If you receive this or any other email asking you to take action then always check out the facts for yourself and never follow any links.

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“Scammers are becoming increasingly aware of how to scam people so it’s important to stay up to date with what’s going on by checking with Action Fraud. “If you think you may have been the victim of a scam, you should report this to Action Fraud via their website or by calling 0300 123 2040.”

'Phishing' is when criminals use scam emails, text messages or phone calls to trick their victims. The aim is often to make you visit a website, which may download a virus onto your computer, or steal bank details or other personal information. Criminals use information about you that’s available online (including on social media sites) to make their phishing messages more convincing.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is a UK government organisation that has the power to investigate and take down scam email addresses and websites.