Cyber criminals continue to target motorists, warns DVLA

Drivers and motorists have received warnings over text and email scams continuing to target drivers.

It has been revealed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) that the DVLA (Driving, Vehicle and Licensing Agency) is one of the top Government organisations being targeted by criminals.

It comes as the DVLA has been making repeated warnings to drivers over scam texts and emails that flood into people’s devices. In 2022 the NCSC found that scammers also tried to exploit the rising cost of living with Ofgem energy bill support scams and HMRC tax rebate scams, while scammers continued to take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to attempt PCR test scams.

However, the DVLA was one of the top organisations that was impersonated. Drivers have regularly been warned by the DVLA about scam texts which could cost you thousands if you fall for it.

An example of a phishing email says: “DVLA have been notified electronically about your latest payment for your vehicle tax failed because there is not enough money on you [sic] debit card. We sent your DVLA bill, and we still haven’t received payment. Acknowledge that it’s illegal to drive your vehicle until you’ve taxed it.”

The DVLA also warned on Twitter: “Scammers pretend to be DVLA giving false information through texts and emails ‘phishing’ for your information. Don’t fall for it.”

The NCSC said the top Government branded attacks that have been reported are:

1. National Health Service (NHS)
2. TV Licensing
3. HM Revenue & Customs
4. Gov.uk
5. DVLA
6. Ofgem

The NCSC encourages the public to forward suspect emails to its Suspicious Email Reporting Service at report@phishing.gov.uk, while suspicious texts should be forwarded to 7726.