Beware of the ‘Renew Your Vehicle Tax’ Phishing Scam

A new phishing scam is targeting UK residents with fake emails and websites designed to steal personal and financial information. The latest example is a fraudulent link resembling a government site:

[https://govermentlicense.gov.uk.vadimekanik.com/renew-your-vehicle-tax-now?sslchannel=true&sessionid=…]

How the Scam Works

The scam typically starts with an email claiming that your vehicle tax is overdue or needs to be renewed immediately. The email will include alarming language to create urgency, pushing you to click the provided link.

Upon clicking, users are directed to a website designed to mimic the official UK government site. The fake site requests sensitive information such as:

• Full name
• Address
• Vehicle registration details
• Payment card information

Red Flags to Watch Out For

1. Suspicious URL: While the link contains familiar keywords like “gov.uk,” the domain is clearly fraudulent (e.g., vadimekanik.com).
2. Urgent Language: Scammers often use urgent terms like “final notice” or “immediate action required.”
3. Poor Grammar or Spelling Errors: Phishing emails often contain subtle errors that legitimate government emails wouldn’t have.
4. Request for Personal Data: The DVLA will never ask for your bank details or payment information via email or text.

What to Do if You Clicked the Link

If you’ve clicked the link or entered your information:

1. Contact Your Bank Immediately – Inform them about the potential fraud.
2. Change Your Passwords – Especially if you used the same password on other accounts.
3. Report the Scam – Forward the phishing email to [email protected].
4. Run a Security Scan – Use reputable antivirus software to check your device for malware.

Protect Yourself from Phishing Scams

• Always check the URL before entering any personal details.
• Visit official websites by typing the web address directly into your browser rather than clicking links in emails.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible for added security.

Stay vigilant, and remember — the DVLA will never ask for your financial details by email or text message. If you receive a suspicious email, report it and delete it immediately.