The DVLA have issued a warning about a prevalent vehicle tax (VED) scam today, as it advises motorists are being urged to be wary of text message and/or emails from people claiming to be the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
In response to these scams, the DVLA has clarified its position with regards to contacting motorists, the Daily Express first reported.
It said: “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.
“If you get anything like this, don’t open any links and delete the email or text immediately.”
Scam artists are posing as the famous motoring agency to try to glean sensitive information such as your bank details from UK motorists.
The RAC warns that, despite (2017) changes to car tax causing an element of confusion, it’s important that motorists remain vigilant to cons like this.
Cost of motoring “huge”
Spokesperson for the RAC, Pete Williams told us: “The cost of motoring is a huge concern for motorists, so the offer of an unexpected tax rebate can sound very tempting.
“Always be wary of any request asking for personal information and be alert to any offer that sounds too good to be true.”
Free Car Check do not offer “text checks” as part of our service. Please disregard any such text messages that claim to be from us, all of our services are strictly through our website.
A new text message has surfaced over the past week which is claiming motorists have an outstanding tax payment they need to settle. The message reads: “DVLA: We have identified that you have an outstanding vehicle ta fund from an overpayment. Please visit https://dvla.refund-form-ref81.com to process.”
IGNORE this email/text message, it’s fraudulent
The FreeCarCheck top tips to protect yourself and others from DVLA scams
- Only use GOV.UK so you can be sure that you’re dealing directly with DVLA.
- Never share images on social media that contain personal information, such as your driving licence and vehicle documents.
- Report online scams to Action Fraud.
- Report misleading adverts to search engines.
- Keep up to date with internet safety – read more about online scams and phishing, and how to stay safe online.
I went online to pay for my vehicle tax, entering http://www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax. The site looked exactly the same as the real one and after entering my card details I thought I had paid my tax. However I now find I have been signed up for http://www.vehicle information .com! They have deducted £0.50 & £7.95 from my bank account but I have not paid for my vehicle tax. Then I get 2 emails from them telling me to pay my car tax! Have cancelled the account with vehicle information but of course no chance of getting my £8.45 back.
TSB has rejected my claim for a refund of £7.85 and £0.50 saying I must have given out my Credit Card details and must contact the company. I do not know who they are as all I have on my statement is “PYD*motorvehicle.io” Can anyone help?
I’m assuming it’s not https://motorvehicle.io/ ?
Happened to me yesterday phoned bank they cancelled it.have to get new card 😱
I’ve had email saying clink on the link to complete your payment even though I pay by direct debit
After paying from my 6 months DVLA car tax at a cost of £74.25. GOVEHICLE.UK was taking £7.85 per month from my Credit card account. I phoned the credit card account, who blocked the GOVEHICLE SCAM.
Beware!! Scammers able to access and debit an account without authority.
Make sure you are on Gov. website. Just reported fraud to Nationwide. (No
offer of recompense) but said it would block them from further accessing my
account.
Hi Peter
Not sure who you mean are scammers, but I assume what has happened here is that you’ve signed up for another company’s HPI Check and they have billed you multiple times. We don’t charge customers more than once, this isn’t a subscription service.
My account is with the Co-op Bank. When I realised that this lot were taking £7.95 per month from my account I rang the Co-op Bank who blocked future payments and refunded 3 months money. It took a while to get through to them on the phone but the service was excellent. I can recommend this approach.
You are not the only one Janet. This morning my wife rang the DVLA about it who said it was a scam and she then rang the Co-op Bank. After 35 minutes on the phone to an advisor, she eventually got it sorted and just like you, it was £7.95 over 3 months.
I am being charged every month by vehicle information UK
I believe this us a scam and seeing my bank Wednesday to stop this
Hi Paul
I am sorry to hear this but it’s nothing to do with us at FreeCarCheck… We are not a subscription service. I would recommend contacting your bank to get the payments to stop.
How do I contact DVLA to get a refund on this????
This is very useful thank you 🙂