The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a warning to assist motorists in recognising dangerous scams and fraudsters. The agency, which maintains over 47 million vehicle records, shared its message on X and directed drivers to its official guidance.
"Unsure if the message you've received from DVLA is genuine?" the post read. "Learn how to spot scams with our official guidance."
Worrying statistics from last year show that nearly 20,000 customers contacted the DVLA's call centre to report fraudulent activity. The agency emphasised that criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in deceiving drivers, making it essential to follow four key rules.
Firstly, the Government's website should be the only platform where you can access official information on the DVLA and related services. Utilising another site for services could result in you being charged extra for something offered cheaper or completely free by the DVLA. In the worst scenarios, they may be fraudulent.
Additionally, the DVLA recommended that drivers never share their driving licence or vehicle details online. Whilst it might be tempting to quickly post on social media, log books and licences contain information that scammers could exploit to steal your identity.
Unsure if the message you’ve received from DVLA is genuine?
Learn how to spot scams with our official guidance
Its official guidance explained: "Getting your driving licence is a big milestone, and you may be tempted to share your new shiny licence or V5C (log book) on social media.
"However, both documents contain key identifying details that scammers can use to steal your identity or even clone your vehicle. And before you know it, you could be receiving parking, congestion or speeding fines that you were not responsible for."
The DVLA also cautioned drivers to remain vigilant against suspicious emails and text messages requesting personal information. Fraudsters may similarly establish fake websites designed to mimic the DVLA.
Even when correspondence appears genuine, it remains crucial to always seek official vehicle services through the Government's website."Fraudsters will often send emails or text messages to unsuspecting victims asking them to confirm personal details, such as bank or payment information," the advice continued.
"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.
"And vehicle tax refunds are issued automatically – never via an email with a link! If you receive one of these emails or texts, do not click on any links."
Should you believe you've come across an online scam, the DVLA recommends reporting it to one of three designated services:
You can also subscribe to email alerts from the DVLA to stay up-to-date with its latest information.
