Medium riskText Message Scams

MOT Reminder Text Scam

This scam texts that your vehicle's MOT or service is due or overdue and links you to 'book' or 'pay' through a fake page that collects your card and personal details.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Vehicle service impersonation (smishing)
Main red flag
An MOT or service reminder text with a link to pay or book.
What to do first
Do not use the link. Book and check MOT status through official channels or your garage.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam texts that your vehicle's MOT or service is due or overdue and links you to 'book' or 'pay' through a fake page that collects your card and personal details.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Reminder: your vehicle MOT is overdue. Book now and pay online to avoid a penalty: [suspicious link]'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • An MOT or service reminder with a pay or booking link
  • Urgency about penalties or fines
  • A web address that is not official or your garage
  • A request for card and vehicle details
  • A sender you do not recognise

What to do

  • Check your MOT status through the official government service
  • Book through your trusted garage directly
  • Verify any reminder before paying
  • Report and delete suspicious texts

If you already clicked or replied

  • Do not enter card or personal details on the page
  • If you paid, contact your bank to flag your card
  • Watch your statements for unexpected charges
  • Change any password you entered

What not to do

  • Do not pay or book MOT through a text link
  • Do not share card or vehicle details via the link
  • Do not let penalty threats rush you

Similar scams

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DVLA Text Scam

This scam sends a text posing as the DVLA, claiming your vehicle tax failed, a refund is owed, or your details need updating, then links to a fake page that collects your bank and card details.
Medium risk Text Message

Appointment Reminder Scam

This scam sends a fake appointment reminder for a doctor, dentist, licensing office, or service and asks you to confirm, reschedule, or pay a small fee through a link that quietly harvests your personal or card details.
High risk Text Message

Parking Fine Text Scam

This scam sends a text claiming you have an unpaid parking charge or penalty that must be paid quickly through a link to avoid extra fees, leading to a fake payment page built to steal your card details.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check my MOT due date?
Use the official government MOT checking service or contact your trusted garage directly, rather than a link in a text.
Are penalty threats real?
Driving without a valid MOT can carry penalties, but reminders demanding online payment via a text link are a scam. Verify and book through official channels.
I paid through the link. What now?
Contact your bank to flag or freeze your card, watch for unexpected charges, and report the message.
Where should I book?
Book directly with a trusted garage or test centre, and check status via the official government service.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.