Motorists are being warned not to respond to fake traffic fine messages claiming to come from the Ghana Police Service’s TraffiTech-GH automated enforcement system.
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) said scammers were attempting to steal bank card and mobile money details through unsolicited SMS messages alleging traffic offences, particularly speeding. The warning was issued on Monday, November 9, following the launch of the automated traffic enforcement system on Sunday, November 1.
The fraudulent messages use official-looking language and include invented ticket and vehicle information. Recipients are then directed through embedded links or alternative USSD codes to imitation payment portals.
Drivers who follow the instructions may be asked to provide debit or credit card numbers, expiry dates, Card Verification Values (CVVs), personal identification numbers (PINs) and One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
“The messages contain embedded links directing recipients to a fake payment portal to view the alleged offences and pay the fines,” the CSA stated.
How to check genuine fines
The CSA said legitimate Electronic Notices of Violation (ENV) would only be issued using the official sender ID and payment channels authorised by the police.
“Genuine traffic violation notifications will not be sent from an ordinary mobile phone number,” the Authority said. Authentic alerts, it added, carry the sender ID GPS-MTTD.
Before paying, motorists should check the ticket and confirm the photographic evidence, vehicle registration number, date, time and location linked to the alleged offence.
Verified fines should be paid using the ticket number through the payment portal operated by National Investment Bank (NIB). The only other authorised method is `7100#`, followed by the instructions provided through the USSD service.
“Never pay a traffic fine into a personal mobile money number or through any unofficial account,” the CSA cautioned.
Support for TraffiTech-GH is available on 0596922402. Motorists can also contact the police on 191 or 18555. Suspected scams can be reported to the CSA’s 24-hour reporting centre by calling or texting 292, sending a WhatsApp message to 0501603111, or emailing report@csa.gov.gh.
Speed camera warning signs to be installed
The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) will begin installing signs identifying speed camera and police patrol locations this week.
ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng, the department’s Director of Education, Research and Training, said the MTTD was working with urban roads and highways authorities to put up clearer notices.
His comments followed concerns from drivers about missing signs and enforcement points that had not been announced. Obeng also clarified that speeding tickets would not automatically lead to the revocation of a vehicle owner’s licence.
“Very soon in the course of this week, you will see notices of camera and speed signs indicating where we are patrolling with our in-vehicle cameras,” he said.
He added that speed limits on roads requiring recalibration would be reviewed. Preliminary police records, Obeng said, showed a sharp fall in road crashes and better driver behaviour on major roads since the automated camera system was introduced.
