Van drivers warned about bogus DVLA emails: how to spot them and report them

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Published: 25 Mar 2026 | Last reviewed: 25 Mar 2026 | Reviewed by: VanCompare Editorial Team

Fake DVLA emails and texts are a long-running scam. They usually try to panic you into clicking a link and entering personal details or payment information — sometimes with threats like “you must re-take your test” or “your vehicle is not compliant”.

DVLA has repeatedly warned motorists that scammers impersonate DVLA using realistic branding, fake websites and urgent language. (DVLA scam advice is updated regularly.) (gov.uk)

The red flags: how to recognise a bogus DVLA email

Treat an email as suspicious if it:

• Asks you to “verify” details, confirm identity, or enter bank/card information
• Includes an urgent threat (licence revoked, re-test required, penalty points removed)
• Contains spelling/formatting mistakes or strange email addresses
• Uses a button/link that does not go to a genuine GOV.UK/DVLA domain (hovering over the link can reveal this) (gov.uk)

DVLA also states it will not ask for bank or credit card details by text message or email. (gov.uk)

What to do if you receive one

• Do not click links or download attachments.
• Do not reply or share personal information.
• If you need to check a real DVLA service (tax, licence, vehicle details), go directly to GOV.UK by typing the address yourself — don’t use the link in the message.

Where to report DVLA phishing emails and texts

Report suspicious emails

Forward the email to the UK government’s Suspicious Email Reporting Service:
[email protected] (ncsc.gov.uk, gov.uk)

Report suspicious text messages

Forward scam texts to:
7726 (free) (gov.uk)

If you’ve lost money or shared details

If you’ve been scammed (for example you paid money, entered card details, or your identity is being used), report it via the UK fraud reporting service:
Report Fraud / Action Fraud (online reporting portal) (reportfraud.police.uk, actionfraud.police.uk)

If you clicked the link or entered details

• contact your bank/card provider immediately if you entered payment details
• change passwords on any accounts using the same email/password combination
• run security checks on the device you used (update OS/browser, scan for malware)
• keep screenshots/emails as evidence for your report

Sources

1. DVLA (GOV.UK) — DVLA’s top tips for avoiding scams (Published 4 Apr 2025; updated 12 Dec 2025).
   View source
2. GOV.UK — Avoid and report internet scams and phishing ([email protected] and 7726).
   View source
3. NCSC — Report a scam email (SERS: [email protected]).
   View source
4. Action Fraud — Report phishing (reporting route and guidance).
   View source
5. Report Fraud (UK police reporting portal).
   View source
6. DVLA (GOV.UK) — DVLA releases scam images and reminder it never asks for bank/card details by text/email.
   View source

VanCompare Editorial Team

The VanCompare Editorial Team produces clear, practical guidance on UK van insurance and related topics. We work with FCA authorised insurance providers and use insurer information where relevant to explain cover in plain English and help drivers make informed decisions.

• Where relevant, our content is checked against publicly available UK guidance and information from sources such as the FCA and GOV.UK to help keep it accurate and up to date.
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