MMDA warns public about 'No-Touch Arrest Penalty' text scams
Motorists, watch out! There's a new text scam spreading wherein fraudulent individuals impersonate traffic authorities to phish personal information.
On May 6, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) posted a warning about scam text messages posing as "No-Touch Arrest Penalty Notices" from the agency.
The scam text asks users to go to a fake website to pay a penalty or else their vehicle registration would be considered nullified.
The MMDA also reminded the public that the no-contact apprehension policy has been suspended since 2022.
As the MMDA warned, the link in the message will take users to a fake Land Transportation Office (LTO) website where you will be asked to type in your vehicle plate number to find out your traffic violation. It will also lead you to a page indicating how you can pay the fine.
"Huwag pindutin ang link na may kahina-hinalang text message upang makaiwas sa pagbibigay ng personal at sensitibong information," the traffic authority said.
Meanwhile, the LTO also issued a statement on the scam messages.
"Hindi po nagse-send ng notice of violation ang inyong LTO. Ang ganitong sistema ay matagal ng hindi gumagana kaya anumang message na matatanggap ninyo ay tiyak na galing sa scammers," LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said.
The agency also iterated that its official website where you can see your traffic violations is portal.lto.gov.ph.