Motorists are being warned not to be taken in by ‘scam’ messages over car tax refund.

The fake DVLA text has already claimed victims, lured in by the promise of money back on Vehicle Excise Duty.

 Tempting fate

A warning is being issued to motorists in the UK after fake DVLA text messages were sent to people’s phones claiming they were owed a refund.

In the fake messages, the recipients were told they had a refund waiting for them and to click on the following link.

However, the DVLA has posted an alert via Twitter warning drivers in the UK that this is a scam and to delete the message.

The majority of the fake text messages claim to be sent by the DVLA.

Recipients are informed that almost £50 worth of refunds need to be collected.

To do so, they are to click on a link and enter their details.

However, one such message was sent to someone who didn’t even own a car.

This is when the fake messages rang alarm bells and were found to be false.

DVLA are telling anyone receiving a similar text message to delete it immediately.

 

Not their style

DVLA say they never send out text messages or emails concerning refunds on vehicle excise duty.
Many of the fake messages read: “We have recalculated your vehicle tax. You are owed £48.84 due to overpayment.”
Following this is a link where you can claim your refund, but people are being urged not to click on the link that will go on to ask the recipient for personal information.
It’s believed the link is possibly a “phishing” scam and definitely does not come from the DVLA’s HQ in Swansea.

Reeling you in

These phishing scams tend to use copycat official-looking websites to hook people in and then ask you to fill in personal information such as your address and bank details before stealing them.
This new scam is just another one doing the rounds and not the first for the DVLA.
Back in February, many people in the UK received threatening text messages demanding further monies for outstanding payments.
These even used the “dvla.gov.uk” domain in the web address to try and convince motorists that it was the real thing.
Last year, a scam email using official logos and domain names was found to be circulated, promising a £240 car tax refund.
“We don’t send emails or text messages that ask you to confirm your personal details or payment information, such as for a vehicle tax refund,” said the DVLA.
The spokesperson added: “If you get anything like this, don’t open any links and delete the email or text immediately.”