Ghana: Fake Traffitech-GH Fine Texts Emerge After Launch

• Fraudulent text messages claiming to be TraffiTech-GH fine notifications emerged immediately after the system's launch in Ghana.
• Genuine TraffiTech-GH notices come only from sender ID GPS-MTTD and never include clickable links in the initial SMS.
• Legitimate fines require payment through official government platforms or a specific shortcode, not to personal accounts.
• Prior to the launch, similar scams involving fake DVLA websites and non-existent discounts were already active.
• The Ghana Police Service urges reporting suspicious messages to 191 or 18555 to combat this widespread fraud.

Any message received from a different sender, or one that includes a clickable link, is highly likely to be a Traffitech-GH scam message.

Ghanaian motorists are immediately facing a wave of fraudulent messages purporting to be traffic fine notifications, just a day after the official launch of the TraffiTech-GH system. This new camera-based enforcement initiative, designed to alert vehicle owners via SMS about violations like speeding in accident-prone areas, commenced operations on Sunday. However, by Monday morning, an X user had already publicized a screenshot of a deceptive text received at 11:28 a.m., originating from an ordinary mobile number.

The fraudulent message, which read, "Official Traffic Message: Your vehicle has a recorded traffic violation. Check the relevant information through the official portal," was accompanied by a shortened web link. The user promptly tagged the Ghana Police Service, warning that "The scammers have started," highlighting the swift emergence of these fake Traffitech-GH fine texts Ghana. This rapid deployment of scam messages underscores the urgent need for public awareness regarding legitimate communication channels.

The Ghana Police Service has issued clear guidelines to help the public differentiate genuine TraffiTech-GH notifications from fraudulent ones. An authentic traffic fine notice will exclusively originate from the sender ID "GPS-MTTD." Any message received from a different sender, or one that includes a clickable link, is highly likely to be a Traffitech-GH scam message. While the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) initially indicated that notices would contain a link for viewing video evidence, police guidance now directs motorists to proactively visit traffitech-ghpay.nib.com.gh to review evidence using a ticket number provided in the official notification.

A legitimate notice will contain specific details crucial for verification: a unique ticket number, the vehicle's registration, a clear description of the offence, its location, the date and time of the violation, the amount due, and the payment deadline. Payments for genuine fines are processed through official channels such as ghana.gov.gh using mobile money or card, the dedicated TraffiTech-GH payment portal, or by dialling 7100#. Crucially, individuals are explicitly warned against sending money to any personal number or private account to settle a TraffiTech-GH fine, a common tactic in Ghana traffic fine fraud.

The current surge of fake Traffitech-GH fine texts Ghana is not an isolated incident, as similar fraudulent messages were circulating even before the system's official launch. For instance, Rollins Orlu of Darrel Technologies received a deceptive text on October 9 from a standard mobile number, falsely claiming a mobile speed camera had detected a violation by his vehicle. The link embedded in this message led to a counterfeit DVLA website, which demanded GH¢120 for the alleged fine, offering a reduced rate of GH¢60 if paid within 48 hours, before proceeding to request card details.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) had previously issued a warning on October 21, alerting the public to fraudsters sending links to fake payment platforms, often enticing victims with non-existent discounts or urgent payment deadlines. The DVLA explicitly stated that it "does not offer discounts on fines," further clarifying the nature of these deceptive practices. In February, the Ghana Police Service Traffitech-GH had also cautioned the public about a fake electronic traffic violation notice circulating online, leading to the subsequent arrest of seven suspects by the Police Intelligence Directorate in connection with that scam. Policy analyst Bright Simons, writing on X in October, observed that "the scammers are already ahead of the system," highlighting the persistent challenge posed by these sophisticated fraudulent operations.

Given the prevalence of these sophisticated scams, it is imperative for individuals and businesses operating vehicles in Ghana to exercise extreme caution. The Ghana Police Service strongly advises against making payments to personal numbers or private accounts for any alleged TraffiTech-GH fine. Instead, all payments should strictly adhere to the official methods outlined, such as ghana.gov.gh or the 7100# shortcode. This vigilance is critical for lawyers and compliance officers advising clients, as distinguishing legitimate notifications from fraudulent ones is key to preventing financial loss and ensuring proper adherence to genuine traffic regulations.

To combat this widespread Ghana traffic fine fraud, the public is encouraged to report any suspicious messages immediately. Reports can be made by dialling 191 or using the toll-free number 18555. By understanding the characteristics of authentic communications and utilizing the official reporting channels, motorists can protect themselves from falling victim to these pervasive Traffitech-GH scam messages and contribute to the overall security of the digital enforcement system.

Lawyers and compliance officers advising individuals or businesses operating vehicles in Ghana must be aware of the immediate and widespread Traffitech-GH fine text scam. They should educate clients on how to distinguish legitimate traffic fine notifications from fraudulent ones (e.g., sender ID, absence of clickable links, payment methods) to prevent financial loss and ensure proper compliance with genuine traffic regulations.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian Times