Police Warn of Fake Traffic Fine SMS Scams
Police warn of SMS scams impersonating traffic authorities, using fake links and urgent payment demands to steal personal and card details from unsuspected motorists.
Police have issued a warning about fake SMS messages impersonating the Royal Thai Police, claiming recipients have unpaid e-ticket traffic fines and prompting them to click links to check or pay penalties. Deputy Police Chief Nithi Jintakanan, heading the Traffic Police Image Enhancement Task Force at the Royal Thai Police Traffic Management Center, revealed that scammers are sending convincing-looking messages with urgent language such as "Pay within 15 days and get 50% off" to pressure people into clicking without verifying.
The fraudulent messages typically come from unfamiliar numbers with text like "RTP: You have an unpaid e-ticket balance. Please pay at..." accompanied by shortened links. Clicking leads to fake websites designed to resemble the genuine traffic fine system, displaying fabricated details such as ticket number, license plate, charges, and fine amount. Victims are then tricked into entering personal information, credit or debit card details, and making payments through the fake site.
The Royal Thai Police emphasized they have no policy of demanding fine payments via SMS with attached links or QR codes. The public should never click such links, scan QR codes, or enter personal or card information, especially if the message creates urgency or threatens legal consequences. Citizens can verify genuine fines through official channels only: the "Thai Government" app (via All Services > Vehicles > Check Traffic Fine), the "Police Care" app, or the PTM e-ticket system at ptm.police.go.th/eTicket.
Police Chief Nithi stressed: "If you get an SMS about a fine, do not click the link under any circumstances." To check for unpaid fines, access official apps or websites directly rather than using links in messages, as criminals can easily create convincing fake sites and use discount offers to rush decisions. The Traffic Management Center has coordinated with the Technology Crime Investigation Bureau to investigate and track scam networks, and calls on the public to report suspicious SMS messages or websites by keeping evidence and informing authorities. Those who suspect they are victims or have information should contact police hotlines to assist in the investigation.
