Fake texts claiming your vehicle tax payment has failed are used to trick you into visiting a website that steals your personal and payment details.
What is happening?
A text message arrives claiming to be from the DVLA, telling you that your vehicle tax payment has failed and asking you to update your details via a link. The link leads to a fake website designed to steal your personal and financial information.
Why does this scam work?
Vehicle tax is a legal requirement, so a message saying payment has failed creates immediate concern. The DVLA branding in the message makes it appear official, and the fear of driving without valid tax prompts people to act quickly without stopping to check.
Warning signs:
An unexpected text about a failed vehicle tax payment. A link asking you to update payment details. Any message creating urgency around a government payment.
What to do:
Do not click the link. If you are concerned about your vehicle tax, go directly to gov.uk by typing the address yourself and check your vehicle's tax status using your registration number — this is free and takes less than a minute. The DVLA will never ask you to update payment details by clicking a link in a text message. Report scam texts by forwarding them to 7726.
