Singapore — As the world moves further into digitalization, even fines can now be paid by simply scanning a QR code. However, this method can seem suspicious at first, amid news of ongoing scams.
“Traffic summons with PayNow is NOT a scam,” wrote Facebook page ROADS.sg on Sunday (Dec 12).
The post noted that members of the public have been receiving a photo and message on WhatsApp claiming that a notice from the Traffic Police (TP) with an attached PayNow QR code was a scam.
In a media release published in May this year, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said it was aware that a photo of a Notice of Traffic Offence (NTO) from the TP has been circulating online and on messaging platforms with an accompanying text.
The message reads, “Scam tricking you to pay fine via a QR code. There is no mention of the date or time and location of the offence. Please don’t blur blur and scan the QR code to pay.”
“The police would like to clarify that the NTO in the photo is genuine,” said SPF.
“Road users who commit compoundable traffic offence(s) would receive such notices to inform them of the offence details, demerit points and the fine amount.”
SPF noted that more details of the traffic offence committed could be found on the subsequent pages of the NTO yet was not included in the message that circulated.
Members of the public who wish to verify details of traffic offences and fines can access the following link and go to “Status of Outstanding Traffic Offence and Payment of Fines” under the “Traffic Matters” tab.
“The police would like to advise the public not to spread unverified information and to check with official sources if in doubt over the authenticity of the information received,” said SPF.
Those who prefer the more manual approach to pay TP summons could do so through AXS or SAM stations. Internet banking and the Land Transport Authority’s e-Payment services also accept payments. /TISG
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