DVLA issues urgent warning as drivers are 'targeted' - how to protect yourself

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued an urgent warning as motorists are being “targeted”. Last year around 20,000 people reported fraudulent activity from scammers claiming to be the authority.

In an update posted to social media platform X, the DVLA said: “Scammers are targeting drivers with fake texts and emails pretending to be DVLA.” It therefore urged people to “think before you click” and to never “share personal info”.

On the Government website, the DVLA cautioned that fraudsters are “increasingly” using “more sophisticated ways” to trick their victims. It said: “It has never been more important for motorists to be vigilant and aware of how to recognise fraudulent emails, texts, websites and calls.”

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Here are the DVLA’s top tips on how you can stay safe online.

Only use GOV.UK

GOV.UK is the “only place” to access official information on DVLA and its services. “Using any other website could mean you’ll be charged more for services that are either cheaper or completely free on GOV.UK,” the DVLA said.

“Other websites may even be fraudulent, so our advice is to always use GOV.UK when transacting with DVLA.”

Never share your information online

More specifically the DVLA warned against sharing your driving licence or vehicle information online. “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,” it said.

“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.”

Beware of emails and texts

If an email or text asks you to confirm personal details you should proceed with care. The DVLA said: “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 added that vehicle tax refunds will always be issued automatically - not via a link sent out by email.

If you receive one of these emails or texts, do not click on any links. Instead, you should report it to the National Cyber Security Centre and delete it immediately.

Websites impersonating DVLA

According to the DVLA, scammers create websites that attempt to impersonate DVLA and may appear legitimate. “These sites will often charge additional fees for services you can get for free or at a lower cost on GOV.UK, including driving licence applications, vehicle tax transactions and Clean Air Zone (CAZ) payments,” it said.

“If you need to use these or any other government services, always search for them on GOV.UK.”

Reporting online scams

If you come across any of these scams or any other suspicious activity, you can play your part in combatting fraud by:

• Reporting phishing emails to the National Cyber Security Centre
• Reporting online scams to Action Fraud
• Reporting misleading adverts to search engines

For more information, visit the Government website here.