started · updated
Rome and Pitești warn of SMS phishing scams impersonating municipal fines
Municipal authorities in Rome and Pitești have issued alerts about a new wave of SMS phishing scams that masquerade as official fine notices. In Rome, Roma Capitale warned that the messages claim an infraction of the traffic code and include a link to a counterfeit payment site designed to steal personal and banking data. The city stressed that genuine communications never use SMS with external links and urged citizens to delete such messages and verify any alleged fines through official channels.
Similarly, the Primăria Municipiului Pitești cautioned residents that fraudulent SMS appear to come from the TPARK parking app, demanding payment for non‑existent parking fees. The messages contain malicious links that lead to data‑theft pages. Authorities advised users not to click the links, not to provide personal or card information, and to report suspicious texts.
Both municipalities emphasized that official notifications are sent only after a user initiates a payment and contain only basic details such as vehicle registration, session duration, and cost. They urged the public to remain vigilant and to contact the respective municipal offices if in doubt.
Entities
Campidoglio · Compania Municipală Parking București · Comune di Roma · Polizia Postale (Italian police cyber unit) · Primăria Pitești · Roma Capitale · Rome Capitale (municipality of Rome) · Rome residents · TPARK · phishing scammers
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The SMS includes a link to a counterfeit website that requests personal and banking data. www.radioroma.it · www.7colli.it · www.fanpage.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] Roma Capitale states that official fine notices are never sent via SMS with external links. www.fanpage.it
- [● 4 SOURCES] Citizens are advised not to click the links, not to provide personal or banking information, and to delete the messages immediately. www.radioroma.it · www.7colli.it · www.fanpage.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Similar fake‑fine scams have previously appeared via paper tickets and email phishing. www.fanpage.it
- [● 4 SOURCES] Fraudsters send SMS messages that appear to be from Roma Capitale claiming the recipient has an unpaid traffic fine. www.radioroma.it · www.7colli.it · www.fanpage.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] The municipality has launched technical checks and protective procedures to safeguard residents. www.radioroma.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] The scam exploits the name of the municipal administration to appear credible. www.radioroma.it · www.7colli.it