It appears that scammers are now targeting motorists in the form of phishing emails disguised as a traffic offence notification. Members of the public have been receiving an email from scammers posing as the Division of Transportation regarding traffic violations.
The notification includes details like, “You’ve been detected with a traffic infringement. Reason: negligent driving”, with the corresponding penalty such as S$95.95. The email continues to say, “All of relevant documentations will be forwarded to you by mail to your address. However you can check it now, please press on button below or click here (sic).”
The emails look like the one below:
“The police have detected a new phishing scam variant where victims would receive an email from the ‘Division of Transportation’ alleging that they have committed a traffic offence,” said the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in a media release on June 30.
Motorists should note that for traffic offences committed in Singapore, the owner of the vehicle will first be asked to furnish the driver’s particulars before a Notice of Traffic Offence (NTO) is issued to the offending driver. The Traffic Police will not issue a digital NTO, said SPF.
Those who receive unsolicited emails and text messages should not click the attached URL and always verify the information’s authenticity with the official website.
“Never disclose your personal details, Internet banking details or one-time passwords to anyone and report any fraudulent credit or debit card charges to your bank and cancel your card immediately,” added SPF.
Public members with information relating to such crimes can call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. Those in need of urgent police assistance can dial “999”.
More information on scams can be found at www.scamalert.sg or through the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688. /TISG
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