Manila, Philippines – Imagine this scenario: You’re casually browsing on your phone when out of the blue, you receive a text notification informing you about a traffic violation.
As per a statement released on Friday by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the messages in question were determined to be counterfeit, and it was clarified that the LTO does not dispatch such messages.
Some text messages go as far as instructing recipients to settle the purported traffic infraction fees, effectively coercing money from unsuspecting individuals.
The text includes a hyperlink that directs users to a counterfeit LTO site, prompting them to provide their personal information.
According to Mendoza, it is advised that individuals refrain from engaging with such messages and, instead, notify the LTO about them.
The LTO mentioned its intention to look into these occurrences in collaboration with the Philippine National Police.
“We advise our fellow citizens not to pay attention to it and report it promptly to the authorities for appropriate action. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is collaborating with our partners and other relevant government agencies to pursue these individuals and safeguard the public,” he further stated.