Global traffic fine SMS phishing scams

Authorities in Vietnam and Poland have issued warnings regarding sophisticated SMS phishing scams that impersonate official government or traffic services to defraud citizens.

In Vietnam, the Ministry of Public Security reported that criminals send messages claiming a vehicle has committed a traffic violation. These messages often use psychological pressure, such as promising a “50% discount for early payment” or threatening increased fines if not resolved within 48 hours. Victims are directed to fraudulent websites that mimic official portals to steal personal information, vehicle details, and banking credentials, including OTP codes.

Similarly, in Poland, cybersecurity experts have identified scams impersonating the mObywatel service. These messages claim a speeding fine has been issued and require immediate verification. While the displayed fine may appear to be a small amount, such as “50 PLN”, the actual transaction authorized through bank confirmation codes can be for significantly higher values. Experts note that these criminals use threats of legal consequences to force quick actions, and authorities remind the public that official fines are not issued via SMS links.