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Tax online - copycat website warning

Marvel1
Marvel1 Posts: 7,359 Forumite
Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
edited 22 March 2014 pm31 6:48PM in Motoring
Came across this site:
http://taxdisc-direct.co.uk/index.php

Very alike with the offical tax online gov website! Just a warning to all.

They charge you £40 for the service of the tax disc and £8.50 for SORN!

Contact DVLA link is even more dodgy the number they give isn't even DVLA!
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Comments

  • Johno100
    Johno100 Posts: 5,259 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Now that site is without doubt meant to deceive and needs to be taken down.
  • I came across a similar site for EHIC cards, trading standards were useless, it was obviously passing off but TS said that as they offered a checking service they could charge a fee. I wondered how they would check my NI number, address and date of birth for me, which was about all the online form required - to replace the official online form which also did a post code lookup so was easier to use!
  • arcon5
    arcon5 Posts: 14,099 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    The not affiliated with dvla sign on the top right of every page is a give away.
  • But only a very small one. It is designed to look exactly like the official one, down to the same tabs on the left side.I though Google were not going to put these on their search pages.
    I'd rather be an Optimist and be proved wrong than a Pessimist and be proved right.
  • scragend
    scragend Posts: 287 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts
    arcon5 wrote: »
    The not affiliated with dvla sign on the top right of every page is a give away.

    As is "We charge a service fee of 40 GBP for following additional benefits" in the box on the right hand side.

    It always baffles me how people get onto these sites in the first place, let alone get taken in by them. On the tax disc renewal reminder that comes in the post, it has the correct web address printed on it (in a post-it note style box at the top right; I've got mine in front of me).

    Why, instead of just typing that address in, would you go to Google and search, and then click through to a different site?
  • Johno100
    Johno100 Posts: 5,259 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    scragend wrote: »
    As is "We charge a service fee of 40 GBP for following additional benefits" in the box on the right hand side.

    It always baffles me how people get onto these sites in the first place, let alone get taken in by them. On the tax disc renewal reminder that comes in the post, it has the correct web address printed on it (in a post-it note style box at the top right; I've got mine in front of me).

    Why, instead of just typing that address in, would you go to Google and search, and then click through to a different site?

    I agree regarding Google and people not using the URL on the reminder. I can also possibly see a role for a checking service with some types of application (not car tax though). But the site linked by the OP is clearly setting out to deceive and if it isn't illegal then it should be.
  • arcon5 wrote: »
    The not affiliated with dvla sign on the top right of every page is a give away.
    Plus one of the questions you have to answer with link to charges:

    I am aware that if I choose to pay by credit/debit card, an additional charge will be applied (service fee). There is no charge for applying at the Post Office to buy a tax disc, but Post Office do not accept credit cards (Customers taxing a vehicle that do not have to pay tax should also select yes).

    Yes

    No


    Tax & Service Fee


    For each vehicle type, you can see the rates of vehicle tax for six months (where applicable) and twelve months by providing the vehicle registration number, make, model & engine size. If you fill this information on the form on the home page or apply for a tax disc link, it will return the amount payable for 06 months and 12 months (where applicable).

    If you are paying online via credit or debit card, taxdisc-direct.co.uk will levy a service fee of £40. Please note that if you plan to cancel the application after it has been processed by taxdisc-direct.co.uk, only the service fee of £40 (less administration fee of £8) will be refunded.


    Service Fee
    Declare a SORN £8.50
    V5C Replacement £25.00
    Transfer Numberplate £80.00
    Retain Numberplate £100.00 - £155.00
  • cajef
    cajef Posts: 6,283 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Looks to me like it breaches crown copyright, may be worth reporting.

    https://www.taxdisc.direct.gov.uk/EvlPortalApp/app/home/copyright
  • As long as people read the very first page, they will know what they are getting into (but lets be honest, people don't need things properly, hence why there is so many posts on this forum about such sites):

    You may find the following information useful:
    By proceeding to apply online, you have agreed to our terms and conditions. We comply with Data Protection Act and assure that this data will only be used to process your application. You will be asked to provide your personal information, you must review the Terms of Business and Privacy Policy. Our service is not connected to or affiliated with the GOV.UK or Driving Vehicle Licence Agency and acts as an agent processing the application. These services are available from other government sources without the additional service fee. The additional benefit of using this website include, instant email confirmation, 24/7 online support, application checked for errors & omissions, telephone application service and full compliance with data protection act.

    Seems pretty clear to me? If people are silly enough to fall for it, then so be it.
  • Johno100
    Johno100 Posts: 5,259 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Netwizard wrote: »
    Seems pretty clear to me? If people are silly enough to fall for it, then so be it.

    So do you think it's just a coincidence that the colour scheme, layout and overall design of the site is almost identical to the official site?
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