The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a warning to millions of British vehicle owners, emphasising the need for every “registered keeper” to ensure their vehicle log book (V5C) is up-to-date.
This critical document must be replaced immediately if it’s lost, stolen, or damaged, and updated if there are any changes to personal details such as name or address, vehicle modifications, or in events of buying, selling, or transferring ownership.
And in a new alert on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday afternoon, the DVLA urged motorists not to do something. The post reads: “Stay safe online – don’t share photos of your V5C log book on social media or selling sites, as scammers can use them for identity theft.”
The organisation is also urging drivers to maintain alertness and “report misleading websites, emails, phone numbers, phone calls or text messages you think may be suspicious.” Drivers are also told how to react if they come across potential scams.
For suspicious emails, you should forward them to report@phishing.gov.uk, while dubious text messages should be reported by sending them to 7726. Anyone believing they have been targeted by an online scam or fraud is advised to contact Action Fraud by dialling 0300 123 2040 or visiting their online platform.
GOV.UK guidance warns: “Some websites, emails or phone numbers look like they’re part of an official government service when they’re not, or claim to help more than they actually do. Some make you pay for things that would be free or cheaper if you used the official government service.
“Search on GOV.UK to find official government services and phone numbers, for example if you want to apply to the DVLA for a driving licence.”