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Is the DVLA vehicle tax text a scam?

Yes. GOV.UK is the DVLA's only website. The DVLA never asks you to confirm your payment details, and vehicle tax refunds are paid automatically, never through an email with a link.

Arrives by Email, text. Pretends to be: DVLA.

How to spot it

MessageDVLA

DVLA: Your vehicle tax renewal has not been completed and 1it is now expired. Pay now to 2avoid a fine of up to £1,000.

3https://.com/renew

Example: rebuilt from Which?, August 2026, which quotes only the first sentence and the fine. We blacked out the dark parts.

  1. A tax problem you know nothing about
  2. A threat of a fine
  3. A link to "renew" or "claim"
  4. Other signs to watch for
  5. A refund offer

How it works

A message says your vehicle tax payment has failed or expired, or that you are owed a refund. It threatens a fine of up to £1,000. The link goes to a copy of the DVLA site and asks for your card details. Some texts say you have an unpaid parking fine.

What to do

  1. Do not tap the link. Check your vehicle tax on gov.uk, typing the address yourself.

  2. Forward the text to 7726, then delete it. Forward emails to [email protected].

  3. If you have lost money, tell your bank now and report it to Report Fraud (reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040) with your screenshots; in Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. If someone is coming to your home to collect money or cards, call 999.

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How we know

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