Watch out for bogus DVLA message con
ACONCERNED mum wants to warn others after almost falling victim to a convincing text message scam.
Sheila Miller, 53, received a text from somebody claiming to be from the DVLA offering a refund on February 13.
The bogus message read: “FINAL REQUEST: DVLA Swansea have been trying to contact you, Click below for more information. [Link].”
Sheila, who is a mature student studying marketing with public relations at Edge Hill University, was immediately suspicious of the message.
She said: “I am pedantic about punctuation and there was a comma followed by a capital letter in the middle of the message, this made me question its authenticity.
“I clicked on the link for extra information and the web page was very convincing. Although, I noticed that the logo was slightly stretched which made me even more suspicious.”
The web page stated that Sheila had an outstanding vehicle tax refund, from an overpayment, saying that claims are time limited and can be made by using the “get started” link, to complete a refund request.
This link lead to another official looking form to fill in, asking for personal details including address, phone number, email, bank account details, driving licence details and National Insurance number.
The initial text message claimed it was sent by the DVLA in Swansea, but Sheila checked the number and discovered that it was registered in China.
Sheila, a mum-of-two from Crosby, said: “Please do not click the link, or fill in the form. Block the number and delete the message.
“I am a student and could definitely do with the money, and so could others I imagine, so it may be easy to fall into these traps.
“I would always advise not to give your details out online, and be suspicious of anything that asks you too.”
The DVLA confirmed that it did not send the text message.
A spokesperson said: “We don’t send emails or text messages that ask you to confirm your personal details or payment information. “If you get anything like this, don’t open any links and delete the email or text immediately.
“Similarly, if you get a call from someone claiming to be from DVLA who asks you for personal details or payment information, this isn’t us - so end the call immediately.”