Police warn of new SMS scam claiming unpaid traffic fines

The Hellenic Police (EL.AS.) has issued a warning to the public about a new variation of an SMS scam that falsely claims recipients have unpaid traffic fines. The fraudulent messages include a link directing users to a fake website designed to resemble an official government platform in order to steal personal and financial information.

According to the police announcement, the messages inform recipients that their “traffic fine has remained unpaid for more than 10 days,” attempting to create a sense of urgency and pressure. The link included in the SMS leads to a counterfeit website that imitates the platform of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), Greece’s tax authority.

Authorities note that a similar scam attempt had already been reported in early February, and the latest messages represent a new variation of the same method of fraud.

Police officials stress that public services in Greece do not send payment notifications for fines through SMS links. Citizens are urged not to open such links, not to enter personal or banking information, and to delete these messages immediately.

The Hellenic Police also warn that scammers have improved the format of the fraudulent message. The text now appears with correct grammar and spelling, which may make it look more legitimate and increase the risk of people being deceived.

Officials remind the public that all official payments for fines are made exclusively through established government digital platforms and not through links sent via text messages.

Citizens who receive such messages are advised to ignore them, avoid clicking on any links, and delete the message immediately. These practices are a form of phishing designed to steal personal data and money.

If anyone has already clicked on the link or entered personal information, authorities recommend contacting their bank immediately and reporting the incident to the police without delay.