Fake DVLA / IRS Vehicle Tax Refund Text Scam Examples
Texts impersonating the DVLA or IRS claim you are owed a vehicle-tax refund and link to a convincing fake government page that steals your card and personal details.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
DVLA: You are owed a vehicle tax refund of [amount]. Claim within 7 days: [fake link]
IRS NOTICE: A vehicle tax credit of [amount] is pending for [plate number]. Verify your details to receive payment: [fake link]
DVLA REFUND: Our records show an overpayment on vehicle [plate]. Enter your bank details to receive [amount]: [fake link]
Gov.uk: Unclaimed road-tax refund [amount] expires [date]. Provide your details now: [fake link]
What the scammer wants
To harvest bank account details, card numbers, and personal information by offering a plausible-sounding government refund on a fake official-looking website.
Red flags in the message
- Unsolicited refund notification via text — genuine agencies write by post
- Link to a domain that is not the official government website
- Request for card or bank account details to 'receive' a refund
- Urgency or expiry date to pressure quick action
- Greeting with a number plate you may recognise, used to build credibility
A safe response
Do not click. Visit the official government tax portal directly (gov.uk or irs.gov) by typing the address, and check your account there. Refunds from government agencies are processed automatically without you entering card details by text link.
What not to send
- Bank account or card details
- National Insurance or Social Security number
- Any personal identity information
What to do if you already replied
- Contact your bank immediately if you entered payment details
- Report the text to the relevant agency (e.g. DVLA or IRS) and your national fraud reporting service
- Monitor your credit file for signs of identity fraud
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times