The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) is a UK government agency tasked with maintaining a database of drivers and vehicles.
About DVLA scam texts, emails and phone calls
Scams that claim to be sent from the DVLA will typically be about issues related to vehicle tax, and they are most likely going to be initiate through either text (SMS) or email.
Such scams will be designed to either trick a victim into entering personal and sensitive information into a spoof website, or luring a recipient into downloading harmful files from the Internet or as an email attachment.
Examples of DVLA themed scams may include –
- The claim that the recipient is due a tax refund which they can obtain by clicking a link
- The claim that the recipient has not paid sufficient vehicle tax which must be paid immediately else face punitive action.
- The claim that the recipient must confirm or verify their details by clicking a link.
The below scam text example claims the recipient is due a vehicle tax refund which they can claim by clicking the link.
The below text simply requests a recipient click a link to confirm their details.
The below email claims the recipient must click a link and confirm their details, else face losing their driving license.
Report a DVLA phone, text and email scam.
How to report a DVLA scam text?
As the DVLA forms part of the UK Government, the advice is to send any reports directly to the Government’s NCIC, information listed below.
How to report a DVLA scam email?
As the DVLA forms part of the UK Government, the advice is to send any reports directly to the Government’s NCIC, information listed below.
If you're in the UK, you can ALSO report scams...
- Scam emails can be forwarded to The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) at report@phishing.gov.uk
- Scam texts can be forwarded to your phone carrier on 7726
- All types of cybercrime and fraud can be reported to the police via ActionFraud by calling 0300 123 2040 (or 101 in Scotland) or by using ActionFraud's online reporting tool here.
If you're in the USA, you can ALSO report scams...
- Scam texts can be forwarded to your phone carrier on 7726
- All types of cybercrime and fraud can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by using their complaint assistant here or by calling 1-877-382-4357 (9am-8pm ET)
From a different country? Click here.
You can also forward SMS or email scams to us at scam@thatsfake.com
Avoiding DVLA phone, text and email scams
- Recipients should never click on any links on emails or text messages claiming to come from the DVLA.
- You can contact DVLA directly to see if an email or SMS message was legitimate. Their details are on the GOV.UK website.
- If you click a link on a message claiming to come from the DVLA, it should take you to the GOV.UK website. If it doesn’t, it’s a scam.
- Never share driving licence images and vehicle documents online
- Never share bank details or personal data online
- Avoid websites offering to connect to DVLA’s contact centre