Guatemala Traffic Police Warn of QR Code Scam Targeting Drivers

The Municipal Transit Police (PMT) of Guatemala has issued a stern warning regarding a sophisticated scam targeting drivers. Cybercriminals are increasingly using fraudulent text messages, emails, and now QR codes, impersonating official traffic fine notifications to deceive unsuspecting motorists.

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The largest number of complaints we receive is about these five phone numbers, which we have made public so people can copy, identify, and block them.

These malicious actors employ deceptive links and QR codes that lead victims to counterfeit websites. Once there, individuals are prompted to divulge sensitive personal and financial information, posing a significant risk to bank accounts, mobile devices, and digital identities. Amílcar Montejo, a spokesperson for the PMT, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "The largest number of complaints we receive is about these five phone numbers, which we have made public so people can copy, identify, and block them."

Montejo explained that the fraudulent messages typically claim drivers have outstanding traffic violations requiring immediate payment. The included links appear legitimate but direct users to fake portals designed to mimic official government sites. "It happens that they send you an electronic connection or a link, and in this way, when you enter, it starts asking for sensitive data such as name, DPI, and in some cases, credit cards," he indicated.

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It happens that they send you an electronic connection or a link, and in this way, when you enter, it starts asking for sensitive data such as name, DPI, and in some cases, credit cards.

This digital fraud, known internationally as "smishing" when conducted via text messages, relies on creating a sense of urgency. The PMT stressed that they never issue such notifications through unknown numbers or links. "It is fraudulent because we, as an institution, have not sent any notifications. We do not know who these numbers belong to," Montejo affirmed. He confirmed that at least one individual has already fallen victim, with reports suggesting their bank account was compromised after submitting their data. Some users have also reported unusual device behavior, including app freezes and even phone resets, after interacting with the malicious links.

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It is fraudulent because we, as an institution, have not sent any notifications. We do not know who these numbers belong to.