Legitimate traffic fines in Guyana can only be paid through MMG or Bill Express, the Guyana Police Force said on Tuesday, warning the public against fraudulent text messages that falsely claim to be official traffic ticket notices and direct recipients to fake payment websites.
The advisory follows reports of a scam in which motorists receive text messages purporting to be from the Police Force’s Traffic Department, urging them to pay alleged fines through fraudulent links designed to obtain personal and financial information.
Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh told Ignite News the messages did not originate from the Guyana Police Force. In response, the Traffic Department reissued its advisory outlining the official process for notifying motorists of traffic offences and paying fines.
“Those messages did not originate from the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department… the first thing to do was run back the advisory again… specifying the steps to be taken when you would be notified… and how you can pay as well,” Singh said.
He stressed that the Police Force does not ask motorists to pay traffic fines through links sent by text message or to enter banking or credit card information on unofficial websites.
“We recognised in the widespread message there was an option for you to click and it gives you the chance to use your card and make a payment and that’s not consistent with what we do in Guyana,” he said.
The fraudulent messages also threaten recipients with legal action and additional penalties if the purported fines are not paid within a specified period.
Singh urged anyone who receives the messages not to click on the links or provide personal or financial information. Instead, they should ignore the message and report it to the police.
He said one person has reported making a payment after falling victim to the scam. Anyone who has done so should immediately contact their bank to stop or reverse any pending transaction and cancel any authorised payments linked to the fraudulent activity.
The Police Force also advised the public to verify the authenticity of any traffic violation notice through its official channels before making a payment.
