A fake DVLA car tax refund text message is doing the rounds. Here's what it looks like and how you can easily tell it's a scam.
A new car tax refund scam purporting to be from the DVLA is doing the rounds.
The fake text messages tell people they have overpaid on their vehicle tax and are owed a refund.
It’s cleverly timed given that millions of motorists renewed their car tax a few weeks ago.
Here’s what one message, shared on Twitter by user @marcbarry, looks like.
Watch out for this text purporting to come from DVLA. It’s a SCAM. PLEASE RETWEET. @DVLAgovuk pic.twitter.com/TAdhgkoXiL
— Marcus Barry #FBPE (@marcbarry) May 1, 2018
In case you can't see the above, the scam text reads:
“We have recalculated your vehicle tax.
“You are owed £48.84 due to over payment. Click the secure link http://103.208.86.54 to claim your refund.”
Other messages have different wording, and some include a link with 'http://dvla.co.uk.refund' in the web address.
How to stay safe
It's not the first DVLA scam we've seen and, sadly, it probably won't be the last.
So how do you know it's fake?
Simple: the DVLA will never ask you to confirm your personal details or personal information by email or text.
“We won't send texts or emails about a vehicle tax refund," it said in a tweet this morning (2 May). "If you get one of these, it’s not from DVLA. Just delete it."
🚫 SCAM! 🚫
— DVLA (@DVLAgovuk) April 25, 2018
We won't send texts or emails about a vehicle tax refund. If you get one of these, it’s not from DVLA. Just delete it.
Read more: https://t.co/X5RpAUXvU3 pic.twitter.com/pUy0SRhWcO
It also helps to be careful with what you share on social media. Never share images that contain personal information like your driving licence and vehicle documents.
And if you see a misleading ad, report it to the search engine that it appeared on.
If you receive this scam or anything similar, make sure you report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or by using it online reporting tool.
Think you’ve fallen victim to a scam? Check your credit report for anything suspicious