Don’t click that link: How fake AI traffic fine scam in Bangladesh is targeting vehicle owners

A sophisticated phishing campaign is targeting vehicle owners across Bangladesh, exploiting the recent introduction of automated traffic monitoring systems. Cybercriminals are sending mass text messages falsely claiming recipients have incurred traffic violations, complete with specific fines and deadlines.

“

I barely use my car nowadays since the Metro Rail started operations. So when I received a text message out of the blue claiming I had a traffic violation, I was utterly surprised. Thankfully, I had already seen warnings about these fraudulent texts shared on various social media groups dedicated to traffic and car enthusiasts. Recognising the pattern, I refrained from clicking the link or interacting with the message at all.

These deceptive messages urge immediate payment via a provided website link. However, this link leads to fraudulent sites meticulously designed to resemble the official Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Service Portal. Once unsuspecting victims enter sensitive information, such as bank account details or mobile wallet credentials, scammers can gain unauthorized access.

Recipients like Ataur Rahman, a private job holder, expressed surprise at receiving such messages, especially given their limited car usage. Rahman avoided the trap by recognizing the scam pattern from warnings shared in online car enthusiast groups. Another car owner, Amzad Hossain Tohin, shared his experience on Facebook about receiving a speeding ticket scam message from a Philippines-based number, noting that many friends had also received similar fraudulent texts.

“

I just got a text from a phone number with dialing code of Philippines for over speeding. Later, I heard many of friends also got such scam messages. We all should be careful before clicking the links embedded with the fake case SMSs.

Both the BRTA and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have issued urgent warnings. They clarified that official traffic fines are never sent via SMS with payment links from personal or generic mobile numbers. Under the Road Transport Act, 2018, official fines are delivered through formal mail. In rare instances where the DMP sends SMS notices, they originate only from two specific numbers: 01320-042207 and 01320-042227.

“

Official traffic fines under the Road Transport Act, 2018 are delivered through formal mail, signed by a technical unit officer and sent directly to the vehicle owner’s registered address.

Authorities advise the public to verify any claims and not to click on links or make payments from suspicious messages. They recommend contacting official helplines or the national emergency service at 999 for verification. Cybersecurity expert ASM Shamim Reza highlighted that cybercriminals increasingly exploit public awareness of new technologies and government services.

“

In rare cases where the DMP sends official SMS notices, they originate only from two designated numbers: 01320-042207 and 01320-042227.