The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has cautioned the public against a growing cyber scam involving fake SMS messages designed to trick motorists into paying fraudulent traffic fines online.
In an official public statement, the Authority revealed that it has been closely monitoring the activities of digital fraudsters. These scammers send deceptive text messages containing malicious payment links to unsuspecting members of the public, falsely claiming to collect official fines on behalf of the DVLA.
According to the Authority, targets who click on the embedded links are instantly redirected to cloned, fake websites. Once there, victims are prompted to settle purported DVLA traffic penalties. To maximize compliance, the fraudsters often use high-pressure tactics, including warnings of urgent payment deadlines or deceptive promises of heavily discounted penalties.
The DVLA stressed that these messages are entirely fraudulent and urged the general public to disregard them completely.
“The DVLA does not offer discounts on fines. Any SMS, website, platform, or person claiming to offer discounted DVLA fines is fraudulent,” the Authority stated categorically.
Furthermore, the management clarified that the only approved online gateway for all official DVLA transactions remains the Government of Ghana’s central electronic payment portal, Ghana.gov.gh. The Authority also reminded motorists that its sole verified corporate website is dvla.gov.gh.
Motorists are strongly advised never to click on suspicious web links, provide sensitive personal information, or authorize funds through unverified digital platforms.
The DVLA recommended that citizens independently verify all licensing and penalty claims through recognized DVLA offices or official communication channels before making any payments. Anyone who receives these fraudulent texts should immediately report them to the nearest DVLA branch or law enforcement agencies for investigation.
Source: 3news
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