FRSC warns motorists over fake traffic SMS
The Federal Road Safety Corps has warned motorists and members of the public against fraudulent text messages claiming that recipients have been recorded for new road traffic offences and directing them to a fake FRSC website.
The messages, being circulated through mobile phones and social-media platforms, are designed to impersonate the digital identity of the Corps and trick unsuspecting recipients into clicking a deceptive link, the FRSC said.
*Shehu Mohammed
Nkereuwem Effiong
The Federal Road Safety Corps has warned motorists and members of the public against fraudulent text messages claiming that recipients have been recorded for new road traffic offences and directing them to a fake FRSC website.
The messages, being circulated through mobile phones and social-media platforms, are designed to impersonate the digital identity of the Corps and trick unsuspecting recipients into clicking a deceptive link, the FRSC said.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, the agency said it had no affiliation with the website being promoted in the messages.
The FRSC said the fraudulent messages create a sense of urgency by claiming that a traffic offence has been recorded against the recipient and that immediate action is required to view the alleged offence.
It urged motorists to verify any traffic offence through its official channels rather than clicking links contained in unsolicited messages.
The Corps warned that the links could be used to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims.
It advised members of the public not to click on suspicious links or disclose banking details, passwords, card information, driver’s licence details, vehicle registration information or other sensitive data in response to such messages.
The FRSC also advised anyone who receives the messages to preserve the evidence, avoid further communication with the sender and report the incident through the appropriate channels.
The Corps reminded motorists that its official contact channels include the national toll-free number 122 and its official website.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, directed that members of the public be adequately sensitised about the scam and urged motorists to exercise caution when dealing with online messages purportedly issued by the agency.
Mohammed urged Nigerians to “stop, verify, report”, stressing that messages claiming to be from the FRSC should be checked through the agency’s established communication channels.
The corps further warned those behind the scheme against using its name, insignia and digital platforms to defraud members of the public, adding that it would work with relevant law-enforcement and cybersecurity authorities to track those responsible.
