The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has urged motorists to be cautious and shared advice for anyone waiting for a vehicle tax refund.
In a post on X, the agency said that if you’re unsure whether a message claiming to be from the DVLA is genuine, you can check its official guidance on spotting scams.
Pointing people to the guide, the DVLA warned motorists to be wary of suspicious emails and text messages, and not to click on email links about a vehicle tax refund – even if they believe they are due one.
It explains: “Fraudsters will often send emails or text messages to unsuspecting victims asking them to confirm personal details, such as bank or payment information. They may even send messages that claim you are entitled to a hefty vehicle tax refund.
“DVLA will never ask you for your bank account details or ask you to confirm payment details. We will only ask you to confirm your personal details by email or text if you have a live enquiry with us.”
It adds: “And vehicle tax refunds are issued automatically – never via an email with a link!”
If you get one of these emails or texts, don’t click any links. Report it to the National Cyber Security Centre and delete it straight away. You can report it here.
In another warning on its website, the DVLA urges motorists never to share their driving licence or vehicle details online.
It says passing your test and receiving your licence is a big milestone, which can make it tempting to post photos of a new photocard licence or a V5C logbook on social media. However, the DVLA warns both documents contain personal information that criminals can use to steal identities or even clone vehicles.
This error could potentially leave drivers with parking, congestion-charge or speeding fines for offences they did not commit.
The agency also reminds road users that the only official place to access DVLA information and services is GOV.UK. It warns other websites may charge extra for services that are cheaper or free on GOV.UK, and some could be scams, urging people to use GOV.UK for anything DVLA-related.
