Drivers warned of popular DVLA scam which could 'drain all your money'
The DVLA are urging drivers to avoid any scam emails
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Drivers are being warned of scammers attempting to gain information from them under the guise of it being from the DVLA.
Fake texts and emails can be sent from fraudsters pretending to be from the DVLA and asking for their personal details.
In recent years, the number of scam texts and emails has grown massively, with criminals looking to profit from innocent drivers.
Data shows that over 40 million adults across the UK have been targets of scammers over the last year.
Scam texts have been becoming more common
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This is a staggering increase of 14 percent compared to the previous year, with experts warning motorists to be aware of what to look out for.
The number of reports of fraudulent DVLA messages rose by 603 per cent in a three-month period, data from the DVLA shows.
Scams typically include the drivers being asked to verify their licence details, ask for bank details, offer tax refunds, or highlight a failed tax payment.
The DVLA urges motorists to report any suspicious emails they receive to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
The Government agency has urged drivers to never share their driving licence images or vehicle documents online and only use GOV.UK when looking for DVLA contact details.
Tim Alcock, from LeaseCar, warned that scam messages are becoming more sophisticated, with the most vulnerable potentially not spotting the difference.
He added: “Scam messages are becoming more advanced, with some fraudsters even using an email address which is identical to an official one, aside from one or two letters.
“Once the scammers have access to your bank account after claiming they can give you a tax refund, it is a quick job for them to drain all your money.
“Remember that the DVLA will never ask for bank details on emails, and does not send text messages about vehicle tax refunds.”
Drivers have also been dealing with other motoring-related scam texts, with a number of people receiving Clean Air Zone messages.
It told drivers that they needed to pay a charge for driving in the Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone, even if they hadn’t done so.
The scam text would then demand payment from the driver, raising the “fine” to a staggering £120.
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Drivers should never send their personal details over text
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A spokesperson for Newcastle City Councils urged drivers to not click any links, adding that a CAZ notification would not be sent by text.