Dosh dilemma: Elaine’s fake DVLA message warning

Elaine had just finished her weekly shop and was relaxing at home when her phone buzzed. It was a text message appearing to come from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), saying she might be owed a large vehicle tax refund but she needed to confirm her bank details to get it.

The message looked official with the DVLA logo, formal language, and even a link to ‘check her refund’. Worried she might miss out on money, Elaine was about to click on the link and enter her details. But then she thought, hang on, “why would the DVLA owe me a tax refund?”

Later that evening, she read about financial scammers targeting motorists and realised the text was a fraudulent message pretending to be from the DVLA.

Elaine wants to share her experience to warn others to stay vigilant.

Thanks Elaine. Indeed, criminals often send fake emails and texts that ask people to share sensitive data, or lure them to bogus websites that collect personal information.

The real DVLA never asks for bank details via unsolicited texts or emails.

Here’s what you should do if you receive a similar message to Elaine’s.

Think before you click

If you get a message claiming to be from an official body like the DVLA, don’t follow links unless you were expecting it and can verify it’s genuine.

Check official sources

Go to the official government website or call the agency directly. Don’t use contact info from the suspicious message.

Never enter bank or personal info in unsolicited links

Legitimate organisations won’t reach out randomly asking for bank or payment confirmation.

Report suspicious messages

Forward scam texts and emails to Fraud Report, or report them via police fraud reporting tools.

Scammers are clever and are constantly evolving their tactics, especially targeting drivers with messages that seem relevant to their vehicle or finances.

When in doubt, delete the message and check directly with the real organisation.

You can never be too cautious.