Guides › Banking Scams and Fraud › Copycat Government Websites: Passports, ETAs and DVLA
Copycat Government Websites: Passports, ETAs and DVLA
Some websites charge extra for government services that are cheaper or free on GOV.UK. For example, a UK ETA costs £20 on GOV.UK, which warns that other websites may charge more and that you should avoid websites that imitate government services. Always check the web address says GOV.UK.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Spotting Copycat Sites
ETAs
An ETA (electronic travel authorisation) costs £20. Other websites may charge more to apply. Avoid websites that imitate government services. source
DVLA Services
DVLA warns of websites that charge a premium for DVLA services that are cheaper or free on GOV.UK. Always use GOV.UK, check the web address, and be wary of being charged for something that is usually free, such as updating your V5C after a change of address. source
If You Have Already Paid
Credit Card Claims
If you paid by credit card, you may also be able to claim from the card provider under Section 75 or through a chargeback. source
Complaining to the Ombudsman
If your bank refuses or you are unhappy with how it handled a scam, you can complain to the bank and then to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which is free. Its compensation limit is 430,000 pounds, and it can look at cases where losses are over 85,000 pounds. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 13 monthsReport an APP scam or unauthorised paymentWithin 13 months of the payment, but as soon as possible
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Check the web address: official services are on GOV.UK.
Step 2 of 5
If you paid a copycat site, contact it to cancel and ask for a refund of the extra charges. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 3 of 5
If it refuses or it looks like a scam, contact your card provider about a chargeback.
Step 4 of 5
If you gave personal details to a site that seems to be a scam, tell your bank and report it.
Step 5 of 5
Use the official GOV.UK service to make sure your application is actually made.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Card Provider: Section 75 or Chargeback
You paid by card and cannot get your money back from the seller.
Report Fraud (Police)
Report any scam. Your bank may also ask you to report it.
Financial Ombudsman Service
You are unhappy with your bank's final response. It is free, and its limit is 430,000 pounds.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Search engines sometimes show paid adverts above the official site. Look for GOV.UK in the address, not just in the page text.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/eta Checked 13 October 2026
- gov.uk/government/news/motorists-warned-of-websites-charging-a-premium-for-dvla-services-free-on-govuk Checked 13 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/getting-your-money-back-if-you-paid-by-card-or-paypal Checked 12 October 2026
- psr.org.uk/information-for-consumers/app-fraud-reimbursement-protections Checked 13 October 2026
- reportfraud.police.uk Checked 12 October 2026