Tag: Are There Any Vehicle Tax Scams

UK Vehicle Tax Scams

Yes, there have been several vehicle tax scams reported in the UK in recent years. These scams typically involve fraudsters sending fake emails or text messages to vehicle owners, claiming that their vehicle tax is due and that they need to pay immediately to avoid a fine.

The messages often include a link to a fake website that looks like the official DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) site, where the vehicle owner is asked to enter their personal and financial information. The fraudsters can then use this information to steal the victim’s identity or money.

To avoid falling victim to vehicle tax scams in the UK, it’s important to remember that the DVLA will never ask for personal or financial information via email or text message. If you receive a suspicious message, you should always check the official DVLA website or contact them directly to verify the information before taking any action.

Car Tax Scams UK

Are there any vehicle tax scams in UK?

DVLA Vehicle Tax Scams

Fraudsters are imitating DVLA website to steal your money. Be very aware of what you click on why paying your vehicle tax online in the UK!

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One Example Of UK Car Tax Scam based on DVLA website

Are there any vehicle tax scams UK?
  1. Scammer places Google Ad to appear at top of search results place. The reason it comes at top of page is due to payment for ad not cause it is top of Google Search results for likes of vehicle tax payment or the like.
  2. If you click on ad it links you to a page with very similar colourings and branding as DVLA website but it is a private company. Banks will tell you they can’t do anything about ads as technically not fraudulent – providing vehicle checking service.
  3. The page you arrive at will give 3 options – 6 months road tax, 12 months road tax and vehicle check options. When you click on Apple Pay – for example – thinking the shopping basket will give you options it doesn’t. Instead the company immediately takes £0.50 payment for a vehicle check (undefined).
  4. Frustrated you can’t do anything of note related to paying car tax you come off website and find your way to the official DVLA website and make payment to ensure you are road legal.
  5. A couple of days later your Bank app will not show any payments or payments declined but you somehow receive an app message saying £7.85 vehicle check payment declined and if you check your Apple Wallet the declined payment is shown.
  6. If you check with your Bank Online Fraud Department they tell you that this is a common vehicle tax scam that the Bank’s anti-fraud systems initially block.
  7. If you do not contact your bank to report it it is likely that more payments, in rising amounts, will be attempted on your bank account.
  8. Eventually the fraudsters may breach the automatic anti-fraud defences and your bank account will suffer loss. The company maybe able to justify the payment for a service delivered you did not really want so get away with it.
  9. The only way to stop future payments is to ask your bank to place a stop of payments to this company, but they may find other means to attack your bank account. As a double measure you maybe advised to cancel your existing bank card and order a new one to be delivered in 3 to 5 working days from the bank.

Be very careful when paying your vehicle tax. Deceptively similar websites to DVLA website have the ability to trick even the most cyber risk management aware individual. Don’t be the next victim!

More examples of DVLA Vehicle Tax Scams

Give examples in step by step guide to DVLA Vehicle Tax Scams UK

Sure, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify and avoid DVLA vehicle tax scams in the UK:

Step 1: You receive an email or text message from what appears to be the DVLA. The message will usually state that your vehicle tax is due for renewal and will provide a link for you to follow to make the payment.

Step 2: The link will take you to a website that may look like the official DVLA website, but in fact, it is a fake website set up by scammers to steal your personal and financial information.

Step 3: The website will ask you to provide your personal and financial details, such as your name, address, bank details, and credit/debit card information, to complete the payment process.

Step 4: Once you have provided your details, the scammers will use them to steal your identity or take money from your bank account.

Step 5: After you have made the payment, you may receive a confirmation email or text message that may appear to be from the DVLA. However, the message is fake and has been sent by the scammers to make you think that the payment has been successful.

Step 6: A few days later, you may receive another email or text message from the scammers, claiming that there was a problem with your payment and asking you to make another payment to avoid penalty charges or legal action.

To avoid falling victim to DVLA vehicle tax scams, always remember:

  • The DVLA will never contact you via email or text message to ask you to renew your vehicle tax.
  • The DVLA will never ask you to provide your personal and financial information via email or text message.
  • Always check the URL of the website to ensure that it is the official DVLA website.
  • If in doubt, contact the DVLA directly to confirm the authenticity of any communication you receive.
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Car Tax Scams UK