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Ignore scam traffic violation messages, LTO tells motorists

Philippines | National

Ignore scam traffic violation messages, LTO tells motorists

By Jel Santos

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has advised motorists to disregard text messages or notifications received through messaging applications that claim to be from the agency pertaining to the settlement of traffic violations.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza said such messages are part of an online scam aimed at stealing personal information, including bank and e-wallet details, which could result in financial loss for the victims.

“We are continuously receiving reports of these scams, and that’s why we are advising all our clients to ignore these messages to protect themselves from online scammers,” he said in a statement.

According to Mendoza, the LTO does not issue traffic violation notices through text messages or messaging apps.

“If you receive one, it is a scam,” he stressed.

Fraudulent messages, per the agency, include links that redirect users to fake LTO websites, where they are asked to input their license plates and other personal information.

It added that such bogus sites also request bank and e-wallet details with the intent to access and empty the victims' accounts.

“Do not ever type in the license plates of your motor vehicles or provide any personal information about your bank or e-wallet accounts. It is best to ignore all such messages because they are certainly scams,” Mendoza warned.

Mendoza noted that the LTO is working with law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), to track down the scammers.

The LTO chief directed all Regional Directors and District Office heads to intensify their information campaigns via social media to alert the public about this scam.

LTO officials were instructed to incorporate anti-scam information into the free Theoretical Driving Courses offered in their respective areas, the agency added.

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