Beware DVLA 0904 phone number

red_panda_3

I got caught out by this.
I am on the virgin network.
I paid £21.61 to speak to them for just over eight and a half minutes.
I thought it would be OK as it didn't start with '08'.It wasn't even an absolutely necessary call,I wanted to ask them about something and I assumed that an organization such as the DVLA wouldn't have a number like this.
I thought the 09 number was a bit like the 0300 number they have got now for places like the tax credits helpline which doesn't cost loads.
I am writing a letter of complaint to the DVLA.

Tony5101

I don't believe that the DVLA operates 0904 numbers. I think that you've probably been caught out by a google search that has brought up a money making scam number.
The DVLA operates mainly with 0300 numbers, as found on their web pages here https://www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla

red_panda_3

Thank you for this.
I have googled the phone number I rang.
Yes,it is a kind of a scam I think.
It's a phone number I got from googling the DVLA.
A web page comes up with the phone number.
I think I saw the 09044 and DVLA and assumed it was some kind of special phone line like the 0300 lines.
I didn't know this was possible.Hopefully I wont get caught out like this again.

d123

red_panda wrote: »

I got caught out by this.
I am on the virgin network.
I paid £21.61 to speak to them for just over eight and a half minutes.
I thought it would be OK as it didn't start with '08'.It wasn't even an absolutely necessary call,I wanted to ask them about something and I assumed that an organization such as the DVLA wouldn't have a number like this.
I thought the 09 number was a bit like the 0300 number they have got now for places like the tax credits helpline which doesn't cost loads.
I am writing a letter of complaint to the DVLA.

As Tony says, you have probably called one of the non-official premium number that connect to the DVLA, normally called by people who do a google search and then don't pay attention to the fact they have clicked on the google ads numbers at the top.

The official number for the DVLA is 0300 790 6801.

09xx numbers have always been high premium rate numbers, never call them.

victor2

Quick google shows a website with an official looking domain name (which I wouldn't even publicise here, but it has "govguide" in it) and nice banner emblazoned with DVLA Phone Numbers. You do have to note the disclaimers and cost of £1.53 per minute from a BT landline to realise it's just somebody trying to cash in.
Doubt if it's illegal, just immoral.

john1

Victor 2 beat me to it

[Deleted User]

On the plus side, a government department dealt with your call in about 13 minutes

victor2

billbennett wrote: »

On the plus side, a government department dealt with your call in about 13 minutes

No "plus side" about it. It's not a government department, just somebody trying to cash in on the difficulties a government department imposes upon the tax paying public.

diamonds

DVLA a government dept? Most of it is outsourced third parties now.

Paul_01

Isn't this just the number DVLA use for companies (car hire etc) to check driving licences?

To be fair, '09' numbers have been the standard for premium rates for many years now. I don't think there is any sort of scam here.

victor2

Paul_01 wrote: »

Isn't this just the number DVLA use for companies (car hire etc) to check driving licences?

To be fair, '09' numbers have been the standard for premium rates for many years now. I don't think there is any sort of scam here.

Don't think so, the site says:

Please note: Our services and listed numbers can be found for free within the
public domain. govguide.??? has no affiliation with any of the companies listed
on our website nor do we offer any similar services or products.

The domain is registered to an individual with an address in Hebden Bridge through GoDaddy.
Presumably just set himself up with a premium rate number and an automated answering system.