DVLA WARNS PUBLIC AGAINST FAKE SMS PAYMENT LINKS AND ONLINE FINE SCAMS

In a public notice issued on Wednesday, October 21, the Authority said it had noted with concern the activities of fraudsters sending fake SMS messages to members of the public while pretending to collect fines on its behalf. The DVLA said the scammers send text messages containing links that redirect recipients to fake websites or payment platforms, where they are asked to pay fines they allegedly owe the Authority. According to the Authority, some of the messages create a sense of urgency by setting payment deadlines or promising discounts to persuade recipients to make payments without verifying the claims. The DVLA has, however, dismissed the messages as fraudulent and urged the public to disregard them. “The DVLA wishes to categorically inform the general public that these messages are fraudulent and must be disregarded,” the notice stated. The Authority stressed that it does not offer discounts on fines, warning motorists to be cautious of any message, website or individual claiming otherwise. “The DVLA does not offer discounts on fines. Any SMS, website, platform, or person claiming to offer discounted DVLA fines is fraudulent,” it said. The warning is intended to alert the public to the tactics used by fraudsters, who may rely on attractive offers and pressure to make people act quickly without checking whether a payment request is genuine. The DVLA advised motorists not to assume that a message is legitimate simply because it refers to a fine or appears to come from an official source. It urged anyone who receives such messages to verify the information through the Authority's recognised communication channels before taking any action. The DVLA has also clarified that the only acceptable online payment gateway for its transactions is the Government of Ghana's official payment platform, Ghana.gov.gh. It said members of the public should treat any other website or unofficial payment link claiming to represent the Authority as fake. The DVLA identified its official website as www.dvla.gov.gh and urged the public to use it to verify information relating to its services and transactions. “The only acceptable online payment gateway for DVLA transactions is the Government of Ghana's official payment platform, https://www.Ghana.gov.gh,” the notice said. The Authority added that any website, shortened link or other online platform claiming to represent the DVLA outside its approved channels should be treated with suspicion. As part of measures to protect the public against the scams, the DVLA has advised motorists not to click on suspicious links, disclose personal information or make payments through unofficial platforms. It also urged the public to confirm all information relating to its services through its official website, recognised DVLA offices and approved public communication channels. The Authority said anyone who receives a suspicious text message should report it to the nearest DVLA office or the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and action. Credit:myjoyonline.com