The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has warned the public to look out for fraudulent “phishing” emails seeking billing information and vehicle details.

The hoax emails appear as if they are from the Department of Transport, in connection with their last motor tax transaction

“The Department does not send emails requiring customers to send this type of personal information via email or pop-up windows” the Department stated.

“Any motor tax notifications will come from the email address of [email protected] and anyone who receives an email from any other email address purporting to be from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and suspects it to be fraudulent or a scam, should simply delete it.

“Anyone who provided personal information in response to these fraudulent emails should contact their bank or credit card company immediately.”

The Department has contacted all the relevant authorities and local motor tax offices in relation to this issue.

Customers are only contacted prior to the renewal of their motor tax, and will receive an email from [email protected], with a link to www.motortax.ie where they can log into a secure site with their PIN and Car Registration number.