Drivers across Britain are being urged to remain vigilant as nearly 20,000 drivers reached out to the DVLA last year with worrying reports.
The DVLA has issued new advice after data revealed that close to 20,000 customers rang its contact centre to report suspicious emails, texts and other dubious activities.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the DVLA warned: “Unsure if the message you’ve received from DVLA is genuine? Learn how to spot scams with our official guidance.” The DVLA is reminding motorists how they can keep themselves safe from vehicle and driving licence scams. Latest figures show that in 2024, almost 20,000 customers called DVLA’s contact centre to report fraudulent activity.
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With fraudsters increasingly using more sophisticated ways to trick their victims, it has never been more important for motorists to be vigilant and aware of how to recognise fraudulent emails, texts, websites and calls.
The only place to access official information on DVLA and its services is GOV.UK. Using any other website could mean you’ll be charged more for services that are either cheaper or completely free on GOV.UK.
Other websites may even be fraudulent, so our advice is to always use GOV.UK when transacting with DVLA.
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.
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.
The DVLA said: “We will only ask you to confirm your personal details by email or text if you have a live enquiry with us.”
