188体育

On , DVLA has provided the following tips to help motorists stay safe online.

1) Only use 188体育

When looking for information or using our online services, double check that you are using a 188体育 webpage so that you can be sure that you鈥檙e dealing directly with DVLA.

2) Scam emails

We never send emails that ask you to confirm your personal details or payment information. If you get anything like this, do not open any links and delete the email immediately.

3) Beware of misleading websites

Keep an eye out for potentially misleading third party websites. These sites will often offer to help you apply for a driving licence or tax your car but are likely to charge additional fees for services that you could get for free or at a lower cost on 188体育.

4) Look out for premium rate numbers

Look out for websites offering to connect you to our contact centre, as they are usually premium rate numbers. Our contact centre numbers will only ever begin with 0300 鈥� which costs the same as a local call.

5) Be mindful of what you share online

Never share images online of your driving licence and vehicle documents. This personal information could be invaluable to those looking to steal the identity of a vehicle or its owner.

6) Texts

We never send texts about vehicle tax refunds. Text scams often ask you to follow a link to provide credit card details. Never click on the link and delete the text straight away.

7) Report any suspected scams

If you are concerned about any calls, texts, emails or suspicious online activity, you should report it to the police via Action Fraud immediately.

Dave Pope, Chief Information Security Officer at DVLA, said:

When looking for contact details or any of DVLA鈥檚 digital services, you should only use 188体育 so you can be sure that you鈥檙e dealing directly with DVLA.

Posting on social media is a way of life for most drivers, however they may not realise they risk setting themselves up as a prime target for fraudulent activity.

People can stay ahead of the criminals by being vigilant with their personal information and who they share it with, and reporting anything suspicious to the Police via Action Fraud.

A spokesperson for Action Fraud said:

We know that fraudsters are increasingly using more sophisticated ways to trick their victims, and so it is important that members of the public think about their online behaviour and ensure that they do everything they can to protect themselves.

Taking measures such as limiting the amount of personal information shared on social media platforms and being cautious of any unsolicited messages received can help to prevent online crime.

You should always be cautious when sharing personal information online. Always check that who you dealing with really is who they claim to be 鈥� for example, by only using 188体育 when accessing government services online, such as the DVLA.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please report it us via our or by phone 0300 123 2040.

Notes to editors:

1. In October, November and December last year, DVLA鈥檚 contact centre recorded 1,275 individual complaints regarding suspected web, email, text or social media scams. This figure could include multiple reports of the same incident.

2. According to Action Fraud, all forms of cyber fraud cost victims around 拢34.6 million between April and September last year.

3. Action Fraud is the UK鈥檚 national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime where you should report fraud if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

4. Fraud or cyber crime can be reported to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm), or by using their , which is available 24/7.

5. will be celebrated globally on Tuesday 5 February. The aim of Safer Internet Day is to inspire a national conversation about using technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. This year鈥檚 theme is 鈥楾ogether for a better internet鈥�.

6. Figures provided by Action Fraud (City of London Police) show that 拢34.6 million was lost by cyber fraud victims between April and September alone last year. 33% of all reported fraud was by phone message, 13% through online sales and 12% by email.