{
  "id": 15897292,
  "title": "DVLA cautions public against fake SMS payment links and online fine scams",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/dvla-cautions-public-against-fake-sms-payment-links-and-online-fine",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-21T13:56:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghanaian Times",
    "slug": "ghanaian-times",
    "url": "https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/dvla-cautions-public-against-fake-sms-payment-links-and-online-fine-scams/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has issued a warning to the public about fraudulent text messages that are attempting to scam individuals into paying alleged traffic fines via unofficial online links. In a public notice released on October 21, the DVLA revealed that scammers are sending out SMS messages to unsuspecting members of the public, leading them to fake websites where they are asked to make payments for non-existent fines. The scammers often use tactics such as promising discounted fines or creating a sense of urgency with looming deadlines to pressure recipients into making payments.\n\nThe DVLA has strongly cautioned the public to ignore these fraudulent messages, emphasizing that they are scams. They made it clear that the DVLA does not offer any discounts on fines and urged the public to be wary of any message, website, or individual promising such discounts. The DVLA specified that the only authorized online payment platform for their transactions is their official website, Ghana.gov.gh. They advised the public to use this platform for verification purposes and to avoid clicking on suspicious links, sharing personal information, or making payments through unauthorized platforms.\n\nAnyone who receives such fraudulent messages is encouraged to report them to the nearest DVLA office or to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation. The DVLA has also urged the public to verify all DVLA-related information through their recognized offices and official communication channels. The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the public from fraud and ensuring that official transactions are conducted through secure and approved channels.",
  "summary": "The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has cautioned the public against fraudulent text messages asking people to pay supposed traffic fines through unofficial online links. In a public notice issued on Wednesday, October 21, the Authority disclosed that fraudsters were sending SMS messages to unsuspecting members of the public, directing them to fake websites … The post DVLA cautions…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "DVLA warns public against fake SMS payment links and online fine scams",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/dvla-warns-public-against-fake-sms-payment-links-and-online-fine-scams",
        "published": "2026-10-21T10:43:47.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}