Member Article

Internet security company warns of DVLA phishing scam

London based internet security company Omniquad is urging people to spread the word about an internet scam being used to steal peoples identity.

The scam email informs recipients that the DVLA is undergoing a database update and that each driver should update and validate their drivers license details within two weeks or their license will be confiscated and they will be forced to retake their driving test. It is thought that the urgent tone in the email will coerce more victims.

From the email, victims can click on a link which will direct them to a fraudulent website which is masked as the DVLA website where they are asked to fill out their personal details, credit card details including CVV number and date of birth.

Like many phishing emails, the content looks convincing and to the unsuspecting victim can be believable. The information obtained in such a scam can result in identity theft.

Phishing scam are generally sent out on mass to thousands of people in the hope that a few may supply all of their personal information.

As a general rule, you should never give out any personal information such as date of birth, credit card details, passwords unless you have initiated it e.g making an online purchase. The Office of Information technology recommend that any information you receive could be legitimate is accessed through the organisations website rather than an email link as this is more likely to be safe.

Purchasing internet security can mean that phishing emails can automatically detect and block websites which appear to be fake. Emails like the DVLA one often use scare tactics such as taking your driving license away or blocking access to a certain website in order to attract more victims so think about emails you receive before you react otherwise it could cost you.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Francesca Dent .