A new DVLA scam is doing the rounds less than a month on from a previous bogus email in the Agency’s name.
Lord Mayor Gareth Wilson publicly posted a ruse correspondence he received from an email address claiming to be the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) – a day after booking his MOT online!
Along with a screenshot of the email, councillor Wilson posted: “Another scam – this one claiming to be from DVLA and it got my attention as I had booked an MOT only yesterday online.
“Check the address from sender (click name for full email address) it’s fake.
“The attached doc just looked very fuzzy for a PDF (don’t open). Delete. This one I think if opened has a virus so I’m glad I didn’t open!”
The scam is designed to confuse people and the letter has gone as far as telling the recipient to contact their bank if the details are incorrect.
Last month BBC Watchdog tweeted a link to the fake email which was covered in official branding.
In the email it says” “We would like to notify you that you have an outstanding tax refund of £239.35 from an overpayment, request or refund.
“Please click here to access the secure web form.
“Completed return amounts take 4 to 6 day to appear on your account.
“From Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency.”
On their website, the DVLA states: “We’re aware that some members of the public are receiving emails, texts and telephone calls claiming to be from DVLA.
“Links to a website mocked up to look like a DVLA online service are sometimes included in the message.
“We don’t send emails or text messages with links to websites asking you to confirm your personal details or payment information. We strongly advise anyone who receives such a request not to open the link and delete the item.
“The government, led by Cabinet Office’s Government Digital Service (GDS), will continue to investigate reports of organisations which may be actively misleading users about their services or acting illegally, taking swift action when necessary.
“By using the online driving licence or vehicle tax transactions on GOV.UK you can be sure that you are dealing directly with DVLA.”
