Scam warning: Neighbourhood Watch ask public to 'be careful' in alert about DVLA scam claiming vehicle no longer taxed

Neighbourhood Watch Scotland has sent out an alert warning people to be careful and vigilant after a scam email claiming to be from the DVLA is doing the rounds across the country.

DVLA scam claiming vehicle tax due (Photo: SCC).

The scam email claims that the recipient’s payment for their vehicle tax has failed due to not having enough money on their debit card, meaning that their vehicle is no longer taxed.

The email from the scammers with a corrupt link to a payment form reads: “DVLA have been notified electronically about you latest payment for your vehicle tax failed because there is not enough money on you debit card.

"Your vehicle is no longer taxed.

"We have generated a new invoice, and we suggest you to use a credit card instead of a debit, to avoid any other consequences that might appear in case again won't be enough funds inside.

"If you do not pay your fine on time your vehicle could be clamped or crushed, or your details passed to a debt collection agency.

In an alert, Neighbourhood Watch Scotland has warned people to “be careful” of this scam as “DVLA would not contact you in this way.”

They added: “This is a scam designed to get your personal and banking details with the purpose of removing money from your bank account.

"Please be vigilant, spread the word and keep yourself, family and neighbours safe.”

A DVLA spokesperson said: “We are aware of scam messages such as these purporting to be from DVLA and would warn customers that DVLA never asks for bank details over email and never sends text messages about vehicle tax refunds.

“As we regularly advise our customers, the only place to access official information on DVLA and its services is GOV.UK.”

DVLA says customers should report any suspicious emails they receive to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) via their suspicious email service, and forward suspicious text messages to their network provider to investigate, on 7726 free of charge.

To get more information about ‘phishing’, how to protect your identity and avoid fraudulent scams whilst online, you can visit Police Scotland’s Keep Safe Online advice web page.

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