WELCOME TO the official blog of Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association (BBNWA), Bexleyheath Police Station, 2 Arnsberg Way, Bexleyheath, Kent DA7 4QS. Mobile Tel: 07496 385471 bexleynw@outlook.com Charity No: 1072368
Scammers are constantly sending out fraudulent text messages to try to steal your money, as well as your personal and financial information.
The goal of scam text messages is to get you to follow a malicious link or contact a number currently controlled by a fraudster, where you’ll be coaxed into handing over your info. Tali Ramsey, our scams expert, has highlighted five messages currently circulating, including dodgy DVLA texts and fraudulent parking fines. |
| scam DVLA email |
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| scam DVLA email |
A local Bexley resident has recently brought a suspicious email to light that is currently targeting drivers across the area.
Designed to look like an official notice regarding vehicle tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) or driving records, this email is a phishing scam aimed at stealing personal details and financial information.
Here is what you need to look out for to keep yourself and your family safe online.
The email claims to be a "Road Use Record Review" from a fake authority called the "Motor Vehicle & Driver Records - Department".
Subject: A notice concerning the road usage cycle for your motor that lapsed in July 2026
Message: "We reviewed your transport record this very day and noted that the annual road use obligation ended on 28 July 2026. Please check your status soon to keep your ability to drive uninterrupted."
It includes a prominent button reading "Review Road Status", which links to a fraudulent site designed to harvest your bank details or personal credentials.
If you receive a message like this, several clear warning signs reveal it to be fake:
Suspicious Sender Address: Official correspondence from the DVLA will come from valid .gov.uk email domains. In this instance, the sender's address ends in @hotmail.com — a clear sign of fraud.
Incorrect Official Terminology: The UK official body is the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Phrases like "Motor Vehicle & Driver Records - Department", "road usage cycle", and "annual road use obligation" are awkward, unnatural translations intended to mimic official language.
Vague Greetings & Artificial Urgency: Scammers rely on panic tactics, claiming your vehicle tax or licence has lapsed to trick you into clicking quickly without checking the details.
Do NOT click any links or buttons: Do not press "Review Road Status" or follow any links within the body of the email.
Do NOT reply or share personal information: Never provide payment details, national insurance numbers, or home address details via email links.
Forward it to the NCSC: Report suspicious emails by forwarding them to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk.
Delete and mark as spam: Once reported, remove the email from your inbox.
If you entered any sensitive information or financial details:
Contact your bank immediately: Tell them your card or account details may have been compromised so they can block pending transactions and secure your account.
Report to Action Fraud: Log the incident online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Check your official status safely: If you are ever genuinely unsure about your vehicle tax or MOT status, check directly using the official government website at gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax.
Please share this alert with neighbours, friends, and family in the Bexley borough—especially older residents who might be vulnerable to digital scams.
The scam text, titled "UK Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) Final Compliance Reminder," claims you have an outstanding parking fine and threatens severe penalties if payment isn't made by a fabricated deadline of July 15, 2025.
The message uses alarming language to create a sense of urgency and panic, threatening consequences such as:
Immediate suspension of vehicle registration, affecting MOTs, sales, and renewals.
Revocation or freezing of your UK driving license, making future driving illegal.
Inclusion of the violation record in national traffic data, impacting future vehicle and driving applications.
Automatic calculation of hefty late payment, administrative, and court execution fees.
It then prompts you to "reply yes" to revisit a payment page or provides a suspicious link (e.g., https://rb.gy/hy2mlo) to complete the payment.
The DVLA does NOT issue parking fines. Parking fines are typically issued by local councils or private parking companies. Furthermore, the DVLA will never threaten to suspend your vehicle registration or driving license over an unpaid parking fine via text message.
Scammers use these tactics to:
Steal your personal and financial information.
Pressure you into making immediate payments before you have a chance to verify the claims.
Install malware on your device if you click on malicious links.
Do NOT reply to the text.
Do NOT click on any links.
Do NOT provide any personal or financial information.
Delete the text immediately.
You can report scam texts by forwarding them to 7726, a free service that allows your provider to investigate.
If you are concerned about a legitimate fine, contact the relevant authority (e.g., your local council) directly using official contact details, not those provided in a suspicious message.
Stay vigilant and help us spread the word to protect our community from these fraudulent schemes.
For further information visit https://www.bbc.co.uk/articles/cn05np5p70yo
Stay in the know about recent scams that are targeting people across the UK.
The latest warnings to be aware of include a DVLA vehicle tax scam and a train ticket scam on Facebook.
Take a look at the full list based on your reports to our Which? Scam Action Alerts Facebook community and to our scam-sharer tool.
See the trending scams
Source: Which? (21 Jan 2025)
Many drivers are unknowingly cruising the roads with illegal number plates. This can lead to hefty fines and even MOT failure. Don't let your car become a ticking fine machine!
This guide will equip you with the knowledge to ensure your number plates are road legal:
Understanding Your Plate:
Number plates, also known as licence plates, display your vehicle's registration number. This format was introduced in 2001 and consists of:
Twice-Yearly Updates:
New cars are registered with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) twice a year:
Number Plate Legalities:
The DVLA has strict standards for number plates. Here's what you need to know:
The Cost of Non-Compliance:
Ignoring these rules can be expensive:
Private Number Plates:
If you have a personalised plate, the DVLA issues a certificate (V750) for legal display. These plates must also adhere to the same regulations as standard plates.
Keeping it Clean:
Dirty number plates are not just unsightly, they can also be illegal.
Ghost Plates and Clones:
Beware of illegal practices like using "ghost plates" (infrared reflective, unreadable by cameras) or cloned plates (replicas of existing plates). These are serious offences with hefty fines.
Stay Legal, Stay Safe:
By understanding and adhering to these regulations, you can avoid unnecessary fines, ensure your car passes its MOT, and contribute to safer roads. Keep your number plates clean, legal, and visible – it's a simple step towards responsible driving.
Has your car vanished? Don't panic! Follow these steps to locate it or report it stolen:
Double-Check Parking:
It might sound obvious, but a surprisingly common reason for a "missing" car is simply forgetting where you parked it. Take a moment to retrace your steps and ensure you haven't misplaced it.
GPS Tracking:
Many modern cars have built-in GPS trackers for theft or loss situations. If yours does, contact your tracking service first. They'll locate your car and, if stolen, likely contact the police on your behalf.
Check with TRACE (London Only):
If you're in London, consider your car towed for illegal parking. TRACE is a service that helps locate vehicles towed by any London council. They'll tell you where your car is and how to get it back. You can use their online form or call them at 0300 077 0100 (textphone 0300 123 2050).
Contact DVLA (Untaxed Vehicles):
If your car lacked valid tax, it might have been impounded by NSL on behalf of the DVLA. Check the DVLA website for information on retrieving vehicles from their pounds.
Report a Stolen Vehicle:
If you genuinely believe your car has been stolen, report it to the police as soon as possible, or use @MetCC.
Remember:
From a WhatsApp Gold scam to a DVLA impersonation email, we keep our scams-tracker page updated with the latest news – something to keep you informed between your Thursday Scam Alert emails. Check out the latest scams.
Scams-tracker
Source: Which? (03 Apr 2024)
DVLA offers a variety of online services that are quick, easy, and often free to use. However, it is important to be aware of fraudulent activity that may target these services.
Tips for staying safe online
What DVLA is doing to prevent fraud
DVLA actively pursues any scams that are reported to them. They also remove websites and URL links that are associated with fraudulent activity.
What you can do to help
If you see any suspicious activity, you can report it to the following organisations:
Conclusion
DVLA's online services are safe and secure to use. However, it is important to be aware of fraudulent activity and to take steps to protect yourself. By following the tips in this blog, you can help to keep your personal information safe.
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| Click to view image enlarged - Source: DVLA Digital Services |
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| DVLA scam email |
Screenshot (click above to view enlarged) of the scam email for a 'Vehicle tax unpaid' received today 3 March 2023 with a fake phishing url received by a borough resident and alerted us to warn others.
The purpose of a scam email is often to get you to click a link. This will take you to a website which might download a virus to your computer, or steal passwords or other personal information. This is sometimes known as 'phishing'.
Suspicious text messages should be forwarded (as a screenshot or screen recording) to the number 7726 which is free of charge. Suspicious emails should be forwarded (as a screenshot) to report@phishing.gov.uk, as was this one in this case.
Needless to say do no click on links that turn out of the blue. Take time to research and check out this blog for advice and further information on similar scams.
Phishing: Spot and report scam emails, texts, websites and calls
This scam was shared by Which? on 17 Nov 2022.
Your number plate must show your registration number correctly, and you cannot rearrange letters or numbers or make them hard to read.
Failure to comply with these rules could result in a fine of up to £1,000 and your vehicle failing its MOT test.
The current registration number format consists of two letters, two numbers, and three letters chosen at random. Additionally, number plates must be made of reflective material and display black characters on a white background for the front plate and black characters on a yellow background for the rear plate.
The plates must not have a background pattern, and they must be marked to show who supplied them and with the British Standard number "BS AU 145e" if fitted after 1 September 2021.
The characters must not be removable or reflective and must be a single shade of black if fitted after 1 September 2021.
You can also get theft-resistant number plates that make it harder for someone to remove them quickly.
Your number plates can have 3D characters, display certain flags, symbols, and identifiers, and a green flash if you have a zero-emission vehicle.
https://www.gov.uk/displaying-number-plates/rules-number-plates
Displaying number plates (DVLA)
New number plates can now only display solid black lettering, as two-tone registration plates that used different shades to create a 3D-like effect have been banned. The rule change was introduced in in September 2021 to help Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras identify vehicle number plates on the roads.
This comes alongside another long-standing rule regarding 'incorrectly displayed' number plates, which includes obscuring or manipulating the digits. Even visible amounts of dirt can put you at risk of having an illegal plate and a potential fine of £1000 if the contents cannot be easily read. Other punishments include an on-the-spot fine of £100 if stopped with an unreadable or illegally altered plate by a police officer.
The DVLA website says: "Number plates (also known as licence plates) must show your registration number correctly. You cannot rearrange letters or numbers, or alter them so that they’re hard to read. You could be fined up to £1,000 and your vehicle will fail its MOT test if you drive with incorrectly displayed number plates."
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| example of the phishing scam email |
Phishing is a persistent problem in the online world, with scammers constantly coming up with new ways to deceive people into handing over their personal and financial information. One such example is the phishing scam email, which is designed to look like a legitimate email from a reputable organization or company. However, these emails contain links to harmful websites that can infect your computer or steal your sensitive information.
If you receive a suspicious email, it is important to take action immediately to protect yourself and others from falling victim to these scams. The first step is to avoid clicking on any links in the email. Instead, take the time to research the sender and the email's contents to see if they are legitimate. If you are still unsure, reach out to the company or organization directly using contact information you trust, rather than replying to the suspicious email.
It is also important to report any suspicious emails, texts, websites, or calls to the relevant authorities. In the UK, you can forward suspicious emails (as screenshots) to report@phishing.gov.uk and suspicious text messages (as screenshots or screen recordings) to the number 7726. Additionally, if you think you have been a victim of fraud, contact Action Fraud immediately by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting their website.
It is important to remain vigilant and aware of the latest phishing scams, as they are constantly evolving. Check out resources such as the Which? website, which often shares examples of the latest scams and offers advice on how to spot and report them. Remember, taking the time to research and verify the legitimacy of an email or website can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
Screenshot (click above to view enlarged) of the scam email received today 5 January 2023 with a fake phishing url received by a borough resident and alerted us to warn others. Another one on a weekly occurrence!
The purpose of a scam email is often to get you to click a link. This will take you to a website which might download a virus to your computer, or steal passwords or other personal information. This is sometimes known as 'phishing'.
Suspicious text messages should be forwarded (as a screenshot or screen recording) to the number 7726 which is free of charge. Suspicious emails should be forwarded (as a screenshot) to report@phishing.gov.uk, as was this one in this case.
Needless to say do no click on links that turn out of the blue. Take time to research and check out this blog for advice and further information on similar scams.
Phishing: Spot and report scam emails, texts, websites and calls
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| DVLA scam email |
Screenshot (click above to view enlarged) of the scam email received today 27 December 2022 with a fake phishing url received by a borough resident and alerted us to warn others.
The purpose of a scam email is often to get you to click a link. This will take you to a website which might download a virus to your computer, or steal passwords or other personal information. This is sometimes known as 'phishing'.
Suspicious text messages should be forwarded (as a screenshot or screen recording) to the number 7726 which is free of charge. Suspicious emails should be forwarded (as a screenshot) to report@phishing.gov.uk, as was this one in this case.
Needless to say do no click on links that turn out of the blue. Take time to research and check out this blog for advice and further information on similar scams.
Phishing: Spot and report scam emails, texts, websites and calls
This scam was shared by Which? on 17 Nov 2022.
These emails persuade you to click on suspicious links to update your TV or driving licence information or claim a refund. They use official logos to create convincing scam emails that urge you into clicking.
We show you the fake emails and explain how to check if an email is genuine.
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| DVLA urges drivers aged 70 and over to keep their money in their pocket this Christmas |
"Drivers looking to renew their licence at 70 and over should use our online service which is secure, free of charge, and also the quickest and easiest way to transact with DVLA. Customers usually receive their driving licence in just 5 days.
Always remember to always use GOV.UK when using any of DVLA’s many online services."
Images of the latest online scams targeting motorists have been revealed by DVLA to help drivers spot and report them quickly.
For more detailed advice visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dvla-releases-latest-scam-images-to-help-keep-motorists-safe-online
To report suspected email fraud contact the NCSC’s suspicious email reporting service, or email report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to 7726. This free-of-charge short code enables your provider to investigate the origin of the text and take action, if found to be malicious.
DVLA regularly publish advice on GOV.UK and across all our channels, including further top tips to help motorists stay safe online.
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 online reporting tool, which is available 24/7.
