Ukrainians are receiving fake traffic tickets: the police have explained how to spot them
4 June 08:44
Scammers have become more active in Ukraine, sending drivers fake messages claiming they must pay a fine for traffic violations. The police warn that these messages are part of a new scheme designed to extract money and personal data.
Oleksiy Biloshitsky, First Deputy Head of the Patrol Police Department, warned citizens of the danger, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
He urged Ukrainians to be especially vigilant, not to click on suspicious links, and to use only official government services to check and pay fines.
How the new scam works
Criminals send Ukrainians messages about an alleged traffic violation fine. Such emails or messages usually contain a link that people are urged to click for “immediate payment.”
In reality, this is a phishing scheme. Its goal is to trick the driver into entering bank details, personal information, or directly transferring money to the scammers.
The police emphasize: the patrol police and cyber police urge you to use only verified government resources and under no circumstances enter your information on suspicious websites.
How to tell if a fine is fake
Law enforcement officials emphasize the main rule: The Patrol Police Department does not send citizens notifications about fines via mobile phone.
In other words, SMS messages or notifications via Viber, Telegram, or other messaging apps regarding the need to pay a fine for a traffic violation are not an official method of communication from the patrol police.
If a fine for a traffic violation recorded by automated means is not paid within 10 days, the vehicle owner will receive an official letter by mail.
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Where to check for a genuine traffic violation fine
If in doubt, the police advise checking the information only through official channels. Specifically, you can check for fines:
- on the Ministry of Internal Affairs web portal;
- on the Diya portal;
- in the Driver’s Dashboard;
- in the Diya and Traffic Fines apps.
You can also contact the administrative practice department of the patrol police in your city to verify the information.
How to identify an official government website
One of the main signs of a genuine government resource is the gov.ua domain.
That is why you should carefully check the website address before entering any personal or banking information. If the site raises even the slightest doubt, it is better not to open it at all and not to click on any links.
What to do if you’ve already clicked a suspicious link
If you suspect you have fallen victim to scammers or have already entered your information on a fake website, you should immediately contact the cyber police.
The sooner a possible fraud is reported, the better the chances of minimizing the consequences, such as blocking the card or preventing the loss of funds.
Ukrainians are also being warned about other fake payments
Law enforcement officials remind the public that this is not the only active scam scheme. Previously, the Cyber Police and the Pension Fund had already warned about false messages regarding alleged new payments and “supplements” to pensions.
In such cases, scammers also use the names, logos, and visual styles of government agencies to build trust and trick people into clicking on phishing links.
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