Is this text or email from VicRoads a scam?
Government agencies are a favourite scam disguise, and VicRoads is one of the names scammers hide behind most — a message about a fine, refund or account problem makes people act fast. A text, email or call that looks like it's from VicRoads can be genuine — but it can just as easily be a scam built to look identical. The good news: a few quick checks almost always tell a real VicRoads message from a fake.
Genuine VicRoads links only ever go to vicroads.vic.gov.au. Below is exactly what a real VicRoads message looks like, the scams currently circulating in its name, the red flags that give a fake away, and a real example to compare against. Got a message in front of you? Check it now for an instant verdict.
What a real VicRoads message looks like
Genuine messages from VicRoads only ever link to vicroads.vic.gov.au.
- Genuine VicRoads messages about licence renewals direct you to log into your myVicRoads account at vicroads.vic.gov.au rather than clicking any SMS link.
- Official VicRoads communications never ask you to pay fines or tolls via an SMS link.
- VicRoads does not send SMS from short codes or random numbers for renewal or fine notices.
- Any legitimate VicRoads renewal notice arrives by email to the address on your myVicRoads profile or by post.
- VicRoads never requests your credit-card details or password through an SMS or email.
Crucially, VicRoads will never demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency or an urgent bank transfer, or threaten you with immediate arrest or deportation.
Common VicRoads scams
- Scammers send SMS claiming your driver licence is about to expire and include a link to a fake payment page at a lookalike domain such as vicroads-renewal-login.com.
- Messages pretending to be unpaid Linkt toll fines in Victoria, using a link to a counterfeit site such as vicroads-tollpay.net, even though Linkt and VicRoads are separate entities.
- Texts that state you owe a VicRoads infringement notice and threaten licence suspension unless you pay immediately via the supplied link.
Red flags to watch for
- An SMS arrives from VicRoads but contains a link asking for immediate payment or personal details.
- The message uses a shortened or unfamiliar web address instead of directing you to vicroads.vic.gov.au.
- Urgent language about licence cancellation or extra fines if you do not click within 24 hours.
- Requests to enter credit-card details or log in outside the official myVicRoads portal.
- The sender ID is a random phone number rather than a recognised government short code.
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating VicRoads, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
VicRoads: Your licence renewal is overdue. Avoid cancellation – pay now: https://vicroads-licence-pay.com
What gives it away:
- An SMS arrives from VicRoads but contains a link asking for immediate payment or personal details.
- The message uses a shortened or unfamiliar web address instead of directing you to vicroads.vic.gov.au.
- Urgent language about licence cancellation or extra fines if you do not click within 24 hours.
- Requests to enter credit-card details or log in outside the official myVicRoads portal.
- The sender ID is a random phone number rather than a recognised government short code.
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious VicRoads text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from VicRoads
- Log in at vicroads.vic.gov.au
- Call 13 11 71
Where to report a scam impersonating VicRoads
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating VicRoads? Report it. It helps authorities and carriers shut the campaign down for everyone who gets the next one.
- Scamwatch — Report the scam to the ACCC's national scam service.
- ReportCyber — Report cybercrime and financial loss to the police.
- ACMA — Report scam texts and spam SMS or calls.
- Forward to 7226 (SPAM) — Forward the scam SMS to short code 7226 so your carrier can block the source.
- IDCARE — Free identity and cyber support if your details were taken.
Frequently asked questions
I got a text from VicRoads with a link — is it a scam?
Yes. Real VicRoads licence renewals direct you to log into myVicRoads at vicroads.vic.gov.au; they never send SMS payment links.
How do I know if a VicRoads message about a toll fine is real?
VicRoads does not handle Linkt tolls. Any SMS linking a toll fine to VicRoads is fake; check your actual Linkt account directly.
What should I do if I clicked the link in a fake VicRoads SMS?
Close the page, change passwords for any accounts you entered, monitor your banking, and report the message at scamwatch.gov.au.
Where can I safely renew my Victorian driver licence online?
Always go straight to vicroads.vic.gov.au and log into myVicRoads; never use a link from an SMS or email.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating VicRoads usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other government names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with VicRoads through an official channel.