Have you ever received a text message saying that you’ve committed a traffic violation, with a link to an “LTO” website where you are supposed to enter your details and pay the fine? Consider this as a warning: Do NOT click the link… it’s a scam!
According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), these text messages on traffic violations do NOT come from the agency, but from scammers. Motorists are advised to ignore, or better yet — report these messages to official contact details of the LTO.
Traffic Violation Messages are Scams – LTO
Through a Facebook post by the Land Transportation Office – Philippines on June 14, 2024, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said that “traffic violation” text messages are actually online scams. These SMS are designed to steal information, such as bank and e-wallet details, which could lead to victims losing their hard-earned money.
“We are continuously receiving reports of these scams and that’s why we are advising all our clients to ignore these messages in order to protect yourselves from online scammers,” Asst. Sec. Mendoza stated.
“Once again, we would like to remind the public that the LTO does not send any traffic violations through text messages or through any messaging app,” he explained. “If you receive one, that means it came from scammers.”
As mentioned earlier, these text messages include a link that — once you click it — directs you a fake LTO website where you will be asked to enter your license plate number and other personal data such as your bank account or e-wallet details.
“Do not ever type in the license plates of your motor vehicles and give other personal information about your bank or e-wallets accounts.” Asst. Sec. Mendoza warned. “Better yet, ignore all of them because they are certainly scams.”
To go after the scammers, the LTO Chief said that they are currently coordinating with experts from law enforcement agencies, particularly the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In addition, Asst. Sec. Mendoza, under the guidance of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, has directed all LTO Regional Directors and District Office heads to intensify the information drive against scammers by informing the public using their respective social media accounts.
Likewise, all LTO officials have been advised to include the information drive against scammers whenever they conduct the Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) in their respective areas.
Final Thoughts
Once again, if you receive a message stating that you have a traffic violation — ignore it… it’s a scam! You can also report the message to the LTO through their official contact details. Another option is to make a report using the CitiSend mobile app.