The DVLA has warned new scam messages were circulating among road users with thousands of drivers reporting incidents over the past year. Officials at the DVLA have explained that fraudsters were “using more sophisticated ways” to con road users with those unaware likely to be caught out. 

Chiefs have stressed messages sent to drivers were promising car tax refunds while others were simply imitating official Government websites. Road users have already shown their concern with new data showing that a whopping 20,000 customers contacted the DVLA to report scams last year. The DVLA posted the critical message to unaware road users on social media site X earlier this week.

The DVLA posted: “Fraudsters are using more sophisticated ways to try and scam motorists – from promises of hefty vehicle tax refunds to websites attempting to look like DVLA.”

The DVLA followed it up with an extended post warning road users to be “vigilant” before being caught out by fake messages.

The DVLA added: “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.

“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 DVLA urged road users to not share photos of personal documentation to avoid being the victim of identity fraud. 

Finally, motorists should always make sure they are using GOV.UK for any enquiries instead of third-party websites. 

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