Fake SMS scam warns drivers of false traffic violations, while police urge the public to use GovPay correctly for real fines.
Fake SMS scam messages about traffic violations are spreading among the public, prompting warnings over fraudulent links claiming to collect police fines.
“I’m not someone who uses a vehicle. But yesterday I received an SMS saying I had violated traffic rules. It contained a link to pay the fine through it. Since I don’t use a vehicle, I ignored it.”
This experience was shared by a journalist working in the media field.
The SMS message had been sent under the country code +63.
That country code belongs to the Philippines.
The journalist later learned that a large number of people had received similar text messages.
When he checked the relevant phone number through the Truecaller app, no information about its owner was available.
A Scam Warning for the Public
Investigations into the matter have revealed that a scam is operating through SMS and WhatsApp.
Fake messages are being sent as if they were issued by the Sri Lanka Police.
These messages claim that traffic violations have been detected through CCTV footage.
Police warn that clicking the web links sent through such messages can allow scammers to systematically obtain credit card information.
They can then use that information to steal money.
How to Pay Traffic Fines Through GovPay
If you have actually committed a traffic violation, the fine can be paid through the GovPay payment system.
Once payment is made correctly, your driving licence can be returned at the place where the ticket was issued.
The process begins by logging in to your bank’s app or online banking portal.
Then click on “Payments and Transfers.”
After that, select “Government Payments.”
A secret code or OTP will then be sent to your mobile phone.
Enter that code in the relevant box on the webpage.
This will allow you to access the GovPay system.
Once inside the GovPay system, a form will appear.
When filling out that form, all boxes marked with a red star must be completed with correct information.
You must also obtain the police traffic phone number from the police officer who issued the fine ticket.
After completing the form, click “Submit.”
Then, depending on your bank’s procedure, enter the OTP number and complete the payment.
Getting Your Driving Licence Back
If the fine is paid at the location where the ticket was issued, the driving licence can be returned immediately at that same place.
If the payment is made later, you must visit the relevant police station.
There, the payment must be confirmed.
The police officer will then check whether you received a short message confirming payment to the phone number they provided.
After verification, your driving licence will be returned.
