Traffic violation messages prompt warning from Vietnam’s traffic police: Do not click unfamiliar links

A message ordering someone to pay a traffic fine quickly may be a trap, Vietnam’s Traffic Police Department has warned. Fraudsters are sending fake violation notices that urge recipients to avoid additional costs by clicking a link and paying immediately.

The messages typically claim that the recipient committed a traffic offense and include a link to check the violation or make a payment. The department said the link may lead to a counterfeit website where scammers request personal details, bank-account information, card data or one-time passwords. They may also instruct victims to carry out actions that allow money to be taken from their accounts.

The department advised people not to click unfamiliar links or provide passwords, account information, OTP codes or bank-card details in response to messages and calls from unknown sources. It also warned against installing applications or software sent by strangers under the pretext of checking, processing or paying a traffic fine.

Traffic police do not send messages or make calls asking violators to provide personal information or transfer money to pay an online fine, the department said. Anyone receiving a traffic-related notice should verify it through official channels before making a transaction.

People who detect signs of fraud, or who have already shared account information or made a suspicious transaction, should contact their bank quickly to protect the account and report the matter to the nearest police agency. The department also urged people to share the warning. Ho Chi Minh City traffic police had previously reported similar scams involving callers who impersonated officers and demanded information about overdue fines.