Halton Borough Council Trading Standards Officers are warning consumers of copycat driving licence websites.
These websites pass themselves off as the DVLA but often charge additional fees (as much as £79 for ‘form checking’ services etc).
To try and pass themselves off as genuine, these copycat websites might include ‘DVLA’ in their web address (URL).
For services that you can get for free or at a lower cost visit the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving
The Government advises never share driving licence images and vehicle documents online.
Also never share bank details or personal data online; avoid websites offering to connect to DVLA’s contact centre; only use GOV.UK when looking for DVLA contact details and
immediately report it to the police through Action Fraud if you think you’ve been the victim of a scam
Top tip: Only use GOV.UK so you can be sure that you are dealing directly with DVLA.
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, said: “There are lots of benefits to doing business online but it is important to take a minute or two to make sure that you are on the official site that you are looking for. Copycat sites and scammers will often pay to appear high in the list of internet search results.
“If you know the website address of the organisation you are looking for, take the time to type in the address. If you want to access any services to do with tax, driving or passports, only ever use the official Government website: www.gov.uk and then search for the service you need.”
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.
If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 0808 223 1133