The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has issued an urgent public warning following a surge in fraudulent SMS messages targeting unsuspecting vehicle owners with fake traffic fines and payment demands.
Fraudsters are reportedly using high-pressure tactics, including artificial deadlines and promises of “discounts,” to trick citizens into clicking malicious links designed to steal money and personal financial details.
The Scammer’s Modus Operandi
According to an official statement released by the Authority, the scammers operate by sending targeted text messages containing external links. When a recipient clicks the link, they are redirected to a cloned, fraudulent platform designed to mimic official government channels.
”The modus operandi of these scammers is to send an SMS to a client containing a link,” the DVLA stated. “When the recipient clicks on the link, he or she is redirected to a fake platform and asked to pay a supposed DVLA fine, sometimes with claims of discounts or urgent payment deadlines.”
The Authority categorically distanced itself from these messages, clarifying that it has not instituted any such SMS-based fine collection system involving promotional discounts.
”The DVLA wishes to categorically inform the general public that these messages are fraudulent and must be disregarded,” the statement stressed.
Official Payment Channels and Verification
To prevent further victimization, the DVLA has outlined strict guidelines for the public regarding how legitimate digital transactions must be handled. The Authority made it clear that any platform offering discounted penalties is an immediate red flag.
”The DVLA does not offer discounts on fines. Any SMS, website, platform, or person claiming to offer discounted DVLA fines is fraudulent,” the Authority cautioned.
The management further specified that the government’s centralized portal remains the exclusive gateway for valid digital payments:
”The only acceptable online payment gateway for DVLA transactions is the Government of Ghana’s official payment platform, https://www.Ghana.gov.gh.”
Officials also urged motorists to verify any correspondence by cross-referencing information via the official institutional website (www.dvla.gov.gh), warning that “any other website, shortened link, or unofficial payment link claiming to represent DVLA should be treated as fake.”
Call to Action for Motorists
The public is strongly advised to exercise extreme caution when receiving unsolicited text messages regarding vehicle compliance or penalties.
”Members of the public should not click on suspicious links, enter personal details, or make payments through any unofficial platform,” the DVLA warned.
For those who may have already targeted or received these fraudulent texts, the Authority is urging immediate cooperation with law enforcement to help track down the syndicates.
”Any person who receives such suspicious SMS messages is encouraged to report them to the nearest DVLA office or the appropriate law enforcement agency for further action,” the statement concluded, reiterating that the DVLA “remains committed to protecting the public from fraudulent activities.”
Citizens seeking to verify their status or report suspicious messages can contact the DVLA directly via their official customer service line at 020 320 0112 or email info@dvla.gov.gh.
