Lagos alerts motorists against fake traffic fine messages, malicious links

The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has alerted motorists and members of the public against fraudulent text messages and malicious online links falsely accusing recipients of traffic violations.

The ministry, in a public advisory, urged residents to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited messages relating to traffic offences, warning them against clicking on unverified links, sharing personal information or making payments through unauthorised third-party platforms.

According to the ministry, the fraudulent messages are designed to deceive unsuspecting members of the public into surrendering sensitive personal and banking information.

It also warned motorists about fake platforms offering purported discounts on traffic fines as part of efforts to lure victims into making payments.

The ministry clarified that the Lagos State Government does not offer discounts on statutory traffic penalties through any of its platforms.

It stressed that approved traffic fines are fixed and can only be paid through officially authorised channels.

Motorists seeking to authenticate traffic violation notices or verify the status of their vehicles were advised to use only the official online platforms provided by the Lagos State Government.

The ministry further urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious messages and websites, and avoid using unofficial platforms for traffic-related enquiries or payments.

It reiterated that members of the public should rely exclusively on verified government channels when handling traffic violation notices, fines and other related transactions.