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Con artists sending out fake ‘DVLA refund’ text to ‘prey on vulnerable during global pandemic’

An Upper Bann MLA urged vigilance after she received several reports from concerned locals who had been contacted

Despicable con artists are trying to cash in and swindle cash from the unsuspecting at the height of the Covid-19 health crisis.

A text scam promising refunds from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has been circulating.

The culprits have been slammmed as “reprehensible” by one local MLA who has taken several calls from concerned local residents.

Upper Bann SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly appealed for people to be vigilant to all types of ruse and not to be distracted during the pandemic.

She said that she has received reports of text messages claiming to be from DVLA asking recipients to follow a link for a refund and dismissed them as “bogus”.

Said Mrs Kelly: “I have received a number of reports from people who have been contacted by these scammers claiming to represent DVLA.

“They’re asking recipients of a bogus text message to follow a link for a refund of money owed to them.

“This is fraudulent and people need to be vigilant.

“It’s disgusting that these people are preying on the vulnerable during a global pandemic.

“I would urge people to be aware of these scams and to make others aware of the dangers of following links from unknown or untrustworthy sources.”

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