The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has launched an urgent 24/7 security alert targeting millions of British motorists about sophisticated vehicle tax scams circulating online.
Officials are warning drivers to remain vigilant against fraudulent websites designed to mimic genuine government services, with criminals attempting to steal personal information and payment details from unsuspecting vehicle owners.
How the scam operates
Criminals are creating convincing copycat websites that appear almost identical to the official GOV.UK platform. These fake sites often appear at the top of search engine results, making them difficult to distinguish from legitimate government services.
The fraudulent operators charge excessive fees for services that are either available for free or at significantly lower cost through official channels. Some sites even add hidden monthly subscription charges that continue to drain victims' bank accounts long after the initial transaction.
Protect yourself from vehicle tax fraud
The DVLA recommends these essential safety measures:
- Always type 'GOV.UK' directly into your browser address bar
- Verify the website address contains 'GOV.UK' before entering any information
- Never use search engine links for official vehicle tax transactions
- Check for the official padlock symbol in the browser address bar
- Be suspicious of websites demanding unnecessary personal information
What to do if you've been targeted
If you suspect you've used a fraudulent website, contact your bank immediately to stop any payments. Report the incident to Action Fraud, the UK's national reporting centre for cyber crime, to help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
The DVLA emphasises that their official services remain secure, but stress the importance of drivers accessing them through the correct channels to avoid becoming statistics in this growing wave of motoring-related fraud.
