- England and Wales: Report Fraud online or on 0300 123 2040. Scotland: Police Scotland (GOV.UK; Which? gives 101).
- Forward scam texts to 7726 and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
- DVLA does not send emails with links asking you to confirm your licence number or payment details.
Many victims feel embarrassed, especially if they knew the offer was not above board. Scammers rely on that. Acting quickly is what limits the damage, and the steps below do not require you to explain your reasons to anyone at this stage.
In the first hour
- Stop paying and stop replying. Do not send a “release fee”, “customs fee” or “insurance” payment. These are repeat demands.
- Keep evidence. Screenshot the advert, the chat, the account details you paid, receipts and any card or website names. Do not delete the chat.
- Call your bank or card provider using the number on your card or banking app. Say it is fraud, give the date, amount, and the account or card you paid, and ask what they can do to stop or trace the payment or, for a card payment, raise a chargeback. We cannot promise a refund.
In the first day
- Report the fraud. In England and Wales, GOV.UK points to Report Fraud, online or on 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland. Give the police the same facts you gave the bank, plus the chat export.
- Report the advert or account to the platform. On Facebook and Instagram, tap the three dots and choose report.
- If you sent ID or a signature, tell your bank, watch your credit file, and ask a credit reference agency about fraud alerts. Change passwords if you shared any account details.
What to tell each contact
| Who | What to say | What to have ready |
|---|---|---|
| Bank or card provider | “I paid for a service that was a fraud.” | Date, amount, payee details, screenshots |
| Police (Report Fraud or Police Scotland) | What was offered, what you sent, what you paid, any card received | Chat export, phone number or account name used |
| The platform | The advert or account is fraudulent | Link or screenshot of the advert |
| DVLA, only if you doubt your own licence | You want a record check | Licence details, driver’s permission |
Protecting your identity
Passport photos, date of birth and address are the core of identity fraud. Treat any later contact claiming to be a bank, the police or DVLA with suspicion, and use numbers from your card or from GOV.UK. If you receive suspicious texts, forward them to 7726. DVLA has stated it does not send emails with links asking you to confirm your licence number or payment information.
If a card arrived
Do not use it to drive, to prove your identity or to apply for anything. Having a false identity document can be an offence, with a ceiling of 2 years without reasonable excuse and 10 years where there is an improper intention (Identity Documents Act 2010, sections 6 and 4). Those are maximums, not predictions. Your position depends on the facts, and this site cannot give legal advice; a solicitor can advise in confidence.
Warning about “recovery” offers
After you report, you may be contacted by people offering to recover your money for a fee, claiming to be police, DVLA or a lawyer. These are a second scam. DVLA and the police do not charge to recover funds. See also DVLA scam texts and emails.
Myth and fact
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| “Reporting will get me prosecuted.” | Reporting is how the platform and police learn of the advert. Whether any offence arises from a card in your possession depends on the facts, so take advice if you received one. |
| “A bigger payment will release the card.” | Further fees are repeat demands. |
Do it the legal way
When you are ready, the genuine route costs £34 for the provisional licence online and £23 for the car theory test. See how to get a driving licence in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get my money back after paying a fake licence seller?
Sometimes, depending on how you paid and how quickly you act. Contact your bank at once and report the fraud. We cannot promise a refund.
Who do I report a driving licence scam to?
In England and Wales, Report Fraud online or on 0300 123 2040, per GOV.UK. In Scotland, Police Scotland on 101. Also report the advert to the platform and tell your bank.
Will I get in trouble for trying to buy a licence?
It depends on the facts, and this site cannot give legal advice. If a card was delivered or you used it, speak to a solicitor. Reporting a scam is how victims limit harm.
What should I tell my bank?
That you paid for a service that was a fraud. Give the date, the amount and the payee details, and ask what they can do to stop, trace or reverse the payment.
I sent a photo of my passport. What now?
Tell your bank, watch your credit file and consider a fraud alert with a credit reference agency. Treat later calls or messages about the case with suspicion.
Where do I forward a scam text or email?
Texts to 7726 and emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, according to GOV.UK.