Got a text from “DVLA” about a refund or unpaid tax?
Fake DVLA texts claim you're owed a vehicle tax refund, or that your tax has failed, and send you to a fake site. Paste yours below to check it.
What this scam usually looks like
Text claiming to be DVLADVLA: Your vehicle tax payment failed. To avoid a £1000 fine update your details at dvla-vehicletax.uk
Red flags
- A refund you didn't ask for, or a threat of a big fine
- A link that isn't gov.uk
- Asking you to “update” or “confirm” bank details
- Urgent wording to rush you
What to do
- Don't click the link or enter any details.
- Check your vehicle tax yourself on gov.uk.
- Forward the text to 7726 for free.
- If you've lost money, call your bank straight away, then report it to Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.
Questions
Does DVLA text about tax refunds?
No. DVLA has warned: “we don't send text messages about vehicle tax refunds.” Delete the message and don't click the link.
I clicked the link. What now?
If you didn't enter anything, close the page. If you entered card or bank details, call your bank straight away.
Worried about your mum or dad?
We're building KinAlert for families: they forward anything odd to one WhatsApp number, and you get a text if it's a scam. Join the waitlist.