Scam Examples Secria

DVLA scam texts

DVLA says it will never ask for your bank account details or ask you to confirm payment details. Vehicle tax refunds are issued automatically, never through a link.1

vehicle.tax.uk@example.net

iMessage
Today 9:41 AM

DVLA: Your latest vehicle tax payment has failed.1 To keep your vehicle taxed, update your payment details2 at dvla-vehicle-tax.example.net3 today.

  1. A failed vehicle tax payment, one of the stories DVLA has published from real scams.2
  2. A request for payment details. DVLA never asks you to confirm them.1 It only asks you to confirm personal details by text or email if you have a live enquiry with it.1
  3. A site that isn't GOV.UK. That is the only place for DVLA's services.1

What to do Don't tap the link. Forward the text to 7726, free, and delete it.3 To check your tax, go to GOV.UK yourself.1

Rebuilt from DVLA's own scam warnings; the sender and address are made up. Checked 1 November 2026 against the sources.

The versions DVLA has seen, and what's real

From DVLA's scam warnings and its refund rules.

  1. "You're due a vehicle tax refund."Real refunds are automatic: a cheque for any full months left, sent to the name and address on the log book after you tell DVLA you no longer have the vehicle.4
  2. "Your vehicle tax payment failed."The message asks for bank details. DVLA says it never asks for bank or card details by text or email.2
  3. "Verify your driving licence details."Another version DVLA published from real scams.2 Never share photos of your licence or V5C log book: scammers use them to steal your identity or clone your vehicle.1
  4. A lookalike website.Some sites copy DVLA and charge extra for things that are free or cheaper on GOV.UK, such as licence applications, vehicle tax and Clean Air Zone payments.1

If you got one

In 2024, almost 20,000 people called DVLA to report fraud.1

  1. Don't click any links. Forward a scam text to 7726, free; it goes to your mobile provider.3
  2. Forward a scam email to report@phishing.gov.uk, for the National Cyber Security Centre.3 Where to report each kind of scam
  3. Report online scams to Report Fraud.1 If you lost money or were hacked in England or Wales, report online or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report it to Police Scotland.3

Questions people ask

Does DVLA send text messages?

DVLA says it only asks you to confirm personal details by email or text if you have a live enquiry with it, and it never asks for bank account or payment details.1

How do I get a real vehicle tax refund?

Tell DVLA the vehicle was sold, scrapped, written off, exported or taken off the road (SORN). The refund cheque for full months left comes automatically. Contact DVLA if it hasn't arrived after 8 weeks.4

Is a site that "connects you to DVLA" official?

Not necessarily. DVLA tells people to avoid websites offering to connect them to its contact centre and to find its contact details only on GOV.UK.2

More scam examples

Sources 4
  1. DVLA's top tips for avoiding scams (4 April 2025, updated 12 December 2025), Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, GOV.UK. Read 1 November 2026.
  2. DVLA releases latest scam images to help keep motorists safe online (14 December 2020), Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, GOV.UK. Read 1 November 2026.
  3. Avoid and report internet scams and phishing (updated 11 October 2024), GOV.UK. Read 1 November 2026.
  4. Cancel your vehicle tax and get a refund (undated guide), GOV.UK. Read 1 November 2026.

Every example is rebuilt from an official alert and made safe, and every source shows the day we read it. How we check