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DRIVERS have been warned of a fraudulent text message that could allow criminals to access bank accounts within minutes.
Select Car Leasing warned that bogus messages containing links could allow criminals to “immediately transfer” money from your account to theirs.
Phishing scams trick innocent victims into transmitting personal data such as banking information, often by sending messages claiming to be from a legitimate business or organization.
The scam is so simple that drivers could lose thousands of pounds in a matter of minutes.
A spokesperson for Select Car Leasing said: âThe DVLA recently issued a warning about a sharp increase in fake text messages that read as if they were sent by the agency.
âThe texts either warn drivers that their payment information must be updated, or that their road tax must be renewed.
“These text messages give recipients a link to re-enter their bank details, potentially giving fraudsters access to their bank accounts where they can immediately transfer the balance to another account.”
The warning comes just months after the DVLA released images of the type of scam messages claiming to be from them and trying to trick drivers into transmitting personal data or making payments to scammers.
The messages usually claim either that a driver has overpaid their car tax and needs to be refunded, or that there was a problem with paying the tax and they need to log into the bogus website to update. his information.
The DVLA also reported seeing fraudulent messages claiming there was a problem with their license information. Data transmission like this can help criminals commit identity fraud.
Over the past year, there has been a massive increase in the number of drivers reporting suspected fraud to the DVLA. In the three months to September 2020, the agency saw a 603% increase in reported cases compared to the same period a year earlier.
Phil Morgan, Head of Fraud Policy Investigation at DVLA, said: âThese recent scams may seem legitimate at first glance, but they are designed to trick motorists into providing their personal information. We never ask for bank or credit card details via text or email, so if you receive anything like this it is a scam.
What if you have been the target of a phishing scam?
Anyone who has received a suspicious email is encouraged to report it to the National Cyber ââSecurity Center (NCSC) through their suspicious email service: [email protected]. Suspicious text messages can also be forwarded free of charge to your network provider on 7726. You can also report it to Action Fraud or the police if you believe you have been the victim of such a scam.
In addition to forwarding all suspicious emails and texts, DVLA offers five tips for motorists to stay safe online:
- Never share driver’s license images and vehicle documents online
- Never share bank details or personal data online
- Avoid websites offering to connect to the DVLA contact center
- Only use GOV.UK when looking for DVLA contact details
- Report it to the police immediately via Action Fraud if you think you have been scammed
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