DVLA issues urgent warning to drivers over simple mistake that could cost you thousands when buying a car
THE DVLA has issued an urgent warning to motorists over a simple mistake that could cost thousands when buying a car.
Crooks are becoming increasingly wise to what is being posted online - using personal information to target individuals financially.
Advertisement
2
Cyber criminals are increasingly targeting drivers
Credit: Getty
2
DVLA has urged drivers not to share their V5C forms online
Credit: X
In a statement posted earlier this week, the driving authority cautioned
More specifically, sharing a V5C log book on social media could lead to
These documents contain
But they also hold a plethora of
Advertisement
Read more on Motors
Details such as a person's full name and address are enough to put them in serious risk.
The DVLA said: "Stay safe online – don't share photos of your V5C log book on social media or selling sites, as scammers can use them for identity theft."
This comes as the the driving authority warned driver last month about criminals' increasingly slick methods to
Scams range from bogus tax refund promises to 'too good to be true' offers to wipe penalty points from your licence.
Advertisement
Most read in Motors
One of the most reported cons includes emails claiming failed vehicle tax payments — luring drivers to click on links that lead to fake DVLA sites designed to nick your information.
A DVLA spokesperson said: "We never ask for bank or credit card details by text message or email, so if you receive something like this, it's a scam.
Lawyer busts most common driving myths
"Customers should report suspicious emails to the NCSC immediately. Anyone concerned they may have been a victim of fraud should contact the police through Action Fraud straight away."
According to Action Fraud,
Advertisement
Tony Rich from the AA warned: "Some scams can be quite sophisticated and difficult to detect.
"For example, if you get a vehicle tax reminder from the DVLA ensure that you respond online to the official government site
"If in doubt, don't engage or follow the link."
What to do if you think you're being scammed
The DVLA recommends you do the following:
Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and The National Cyber Security Centre (
NCSC
) will investigate it.
Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 as this will flag the potential scam to your phone provider.
Report scam or misleading adverts to the Advertising Standards Authority. You can report adverts found online, including in search engines, websites or on social media.
You can also report scam or misleading adverts to Google or Bing if you found them in search results
Contact Action Fraud if you think you've lost money or been hacked because of an online scam or fraud and you're in England or Wales.
If you're in Scotland and you've lost money because of an online scam or fraud, report the crime to Police Scotland.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
We're fed up of living on ‘Britain's most dangerous road' that's like a scene out of Mad Max with car crashes every WEEK
FURIOUS Lewisham residents are fed up with living on a road dubbed 'Britain's most dangerous,' after years of accidents, traffic and pollution. Locals in Verdant Lane, Catford, say their road is like a scene from 'Mad Max' with 6 Locals say it can take up to six minutes to cross the road safely Credit: SWNS A frustrated group of William Bloomfield, 37, is a filmmaker who has lived on Verdant Lane for over five years with his wife and toddler, and likened the road to the popular He said: 'We are having at least one crash a week - if not more. 'It is terrifying. You get cars blasting down at 60mph. Motors news 'It often makes Verdant Lane feel more like a scene from Mad Max than a residential road filled with families and young children.' 6 William worries about the damage the pollution may have on his son's health Credit: SWNS According to residents, the southeast London residential street is surrounded by busy A roads meaning drivers regularly use it as a shortcut. This has left locals fed up after years of accidents, traffic William added: 'We are just getting nowhere with the council. There isn't the support that we need. Most read in Motors 'We have been talking to them for a year now and nothing has happened.' As well as the regular crashes and residents' safety concerns, William also worries about the large amount of pollution caused. He said: 'The risk to health and life is quite severe. The pollution is so bad. I have a toddler who is coughing constantly.' In a bid to help this problem, the Together for Verdant Lane group raised thousands of pounds to However, William claims they were denied permission to plant them as cars 'might crash into them.' He said: 'It's a dangerous situation. 'It is quite scary to live here sometimes.' 6 Locals say that the constant traffic causes road rage among drivers Credit: SWNS 6 Gary and his family are considering leaving the area if action isn't taken Credit: SWNS Another fed up resident, Gary Nolan, 37, said: 'There are serious accidents on a regular basis. 'It is a weekly occurrence to see some sort of incident. 'It is frustrating that we are not seeing any action.' Gary has lived on the road for over three years and said the problems are especially frustrating at this time of year as he can't open his windows without letting in the pollution. A freedom of information request submitted by residents revealed that there were as shocking 74 reported crashes on Verdant Lane in the span of just five years, between 2019-2024. This is over three times that of surrounding roads. Lewisham council have reportedly told locals that responsibility for the junction lies with TfL, who residents claim have also done nothing. Gary, who works in a bank, said: 'To me it seems like TfL have lost control of the junction and we aren't seeing any proposals from them on how to overcome the problem. 'I am an able-bodied middle-aged man and even I feel vulnerable here. 'If I was slightly older or had children, I would have to avoid the junction at all costs.' He fearfully added: 'It is only a matter of time before there is a major incident where someone is significantly injured.' Gary is at his wits-end as he went on to explain that the pollution is so bad that layers of black dust form on his windows. He said: 'If we don't see an improvement then we will have to consider leaving the area.' Gary's partner, Aine Walsh, 36, appears equally as disheartened. The pharmacist said: 'You notice the pollution in the house. 'After a couple of days there is a layer of pollution on our door from the traffic. 'Luckily neither of us have With regards to the safety of the road, she added: 'The main problem is crossing in order to get to the station. 'It can take five or six minutes to cross as there is no pedestrian crossing. 'It is really not safe.' With the council and TfL failing to take action, Aine 'can only see it getting worse.' In 2013, nine-year-old Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, was the first person in the UK to have air pollution recognised as a factor in her death, and lived nearby. She died following an asthma attack with an inquest later revealing that pollution from the A205 South Circular Road 'made a material contribution' to her tragic death. Anna Resier, 34, moved to the area with her husband and toddler three years ago. She expressed her concerns as a mother, saying that she is constantly afraid for her own child. Anna works as a climate change policy worker, and said: 'In the winter my son was quite ill and had a cough and we were worried that we were giving him asthma just by living here.' 6 The popular shortcut used by drivers has led to countless crashes Credit: SWNS 6 With incidents happening weekly, residents are desperate for action to be taken Credit: SWNS Anna reflected on Ella's passing, adding: 'It wasn't long ago that the first registered death happened from air pollution at the end of the road. 'It is a constant worry. We have had quite serious conversations about moving. "At peak times you can taste the pollution in the air. It is not a pleasant experience.' Residents say that despite their road's coverage in the press which led to it being dubbed 'the most dangerous in the UK', very little action has been taken. A TfL spokesperson said: "Enabling all Londoners to travel on the 'We take people's concerns about road safety seriously and always welcome feedback from local residents. "There are a combination of factors which can cause congestion issues at the A205 junction with Verdant Lane, including a narrowing of the A205 under the railway bridge and the current works at the junction with Baring Road. "We have recently reviewed the signal timings at this location and will continue to monitor roads in the area to ensure the road network works for all." A Lewisham Council spokesperson also said: "We have been working with this group of residents over the past few months, holding regular meetings to discuss the issues they have raised. 'During these meetings, we have also invited representatives from Transport for London (TfL) to hear the concerns first-hand and ensure they are reported for further investigation. "The junction that has raised the most concern is part of the main road network and therefore falls under TfL's jurisdiction. 'As such, we will continue to work closely with them moving forward. "We are currently conducting surveys and traffic counts to assess the number of vehicles using Verdant Lane and their 'In addition, we are exploring suitable tree-planting options that will not interfere with existing parking arrangements, dropped kerbs, or underground infrastructure. 'Residents will be kept informed of the outcomes of this work. "The Council remains committed to working with the community to improve safety, reduce pollution, and enhance the local environment."
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Couple steal back their own car after cops ‘refused to investigate theft'… despite AirTag pinpointing its exact location
A COUPLE whose Jaguar was swiped by thieves have stolen it back after cops failed to investigate the theft. Mia Forbes Pirie and Mark Simpson discovered their motor was missing from its spot close to their home in Brook Green, West London on Wednesday morning. However, the shrewd pair had installed an airtag locator in the vehicle which had been taken to Chiswick shortly after. The couple called 999 but cops told them that they were unable to offer immediate assistance. Unwilling to sit idly, Mia and Mark took matters into their own hands. Mr Simpson, 62, reported being nervous as he made the four-mile journey with his wife to the car's new location. read more in motors The Jaguar E-Pace - a model that sold for about £46,000 new in 2024 - also had a 'ghost immobiliser' fitted which required the right buttons to be hit on the car's control unit before it could start. The couple found the vehicle on a quiet back street with its carpets ripped apart after thugs attempted to access its wiring. Forbes Pirie, a former solicitor and now an award-winning mediator, and Mr Simpson, a commercial barrister, had installed a series of additional security mechanisms on the car after previously experiencing the theft of a vehicle. Neighbours later reported they had heard unusual noises at night. Most read in Motors Mia wrote in LinkedIn post: "[Is] it right that the police seem to have no interest in investigating what is likely to have been a reasonably sophisticated operation involving a flat bed truck… if there are no consequences, what is the incentive for people not to do more of this?" However, she lamented the Met Police's lack of investment. Three people arrested after teen boy dies near pub as cops launch murder probe "The police are under-resourced and it's a shame," she "But if there aren't any consequences to people stealing cars or a lot of the other crimes where there aren't any consequences, then I don't really see what the deterrent is to stop people from doing it more." In a statement, Met Police told The Sun: "On Tuesday, 3 June at 10.06am, police were alerted to the theft of a vehicle on Sterndale Road, W14. "Officers spoke to the victim, who shared his intention to recover the vehicle himself. "An Apple Airtag was inside, allowing the victim to view its location and trace it. "The victim was reminded by officers to contact police again as needed or if police assistance was necessary at the vehicle's location. "At 11.23am the victim confirmed with police that he had found the vehicle and that it was being recovered by a truck back to the victim's home address. "This investigation is ongoing and police are working with the victim. No arrests have been made at this stage." It comes after one man who has had his £114k Range Rover stolen four times revealed he Tom Jaconelli, 39, was left infuriated after his posh 150mph SUV was taken from outside his house yet again. Doorbell footage showed the director of car dealership Romans International, having his 2024 Range Rover Sport P550e snatched just metres from his front door. But savvy Tom had fitted his motor with a tracking system which enabled him to get his vehicle back. He said the car was retrieved when three police dog vans stopped the thief in his tracks. Thankfully for Tom, the motor was found 15 minutes away from Tom's home in Cobham, Surrey. Do you have a similar story? Email 1 Mark Simpson with his stolen car Credit: Mia Forbes
The Irish Sun
21 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Britain's most popular car brand to bring back ‘favourite' model with a retro twist
Popular car brand Volkswagen are looking to offer a new practical alternative to SUVs with qualities similar to the iconic microbus. The MPVs are renowned for their space, practicality and people carrying, making them the According to It is these features that have led to the car being likened to a modern-day microbus. The microbus was first introduced in 1950 and went on to have an iconic history, becoming synonymous with hippie culture. Motors The design direction of the new model is still under wraps although it is expected to be influenced by the likes of the 2011 Bulli and 2016 Budd-e. This new take on the classic Microbus type 2 is reportedly aimed at families looking for a 'no-nonsense, high-utility electric vehicle with sliding rear doors and strong day-to-day usability.' It is rumoured that this new model is under internal review, with a production decision yet to be officially made. Reportedly, Volkswagen recently retrieved various MPV concepts from storage to support these internal discussions and explore how their design could be adapted for a new model. Most read in Motors Autocar added: 'This move reflects a broader shift in thinking in Volkswagen's Wolfsburg headquarters in , where there is renewed recognition that a dedicated family-focused MPV may still have commercial relevance.' This model would rival popular electric SUV models like the 2026 Genesis GV70, No old ideas The design direction of the car is also yet to be revealed, although buyers can expect an upright silhouette, short overhangs, a flat floor and a high roof line. All of these considerations have been made with the aim of making the car as spacious as possible. Launched in 2003, the Touran model is one of the most successful European models of its type with 2.6 million units sold globally. However, it could soon be replaced with this new model. It is reported that if given the green light, the new model could be released as soon as 2027 or 2028. This has the potential to revive the Touran badge in line with Volkswagen's plan to provide future 1 The 2016 Budd-e that the model is set to take inspiration from
