{
  "id": 18080927,
  "title": "Fake TraffiTech-GH fine texts hit phones a day after launch",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/fake-traffitech-gh-fine-texts-hit-phones-a-day-after-launch",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-04T06:09:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghanaian Times",
    "slug": "ghanaian-times",
    "url": "https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/fake-traffitech-gh-fine-texts-hit-phones-a-day-after-launch/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Fraudsters are sending fake traffic-fine text messages to motorists just one day after the launch of the TraffiTech-GH system, a camera-based initiative that notifies offenders via SMS. The system commenced operations on Sunday, focusing on speeding violations at high-risk intersections. Fines are communicated to vehicle owners' mobile phones. On Monday morning, an X user shared a screenshot of a fraudulent text message received at 11:28 a.m. from an ordinary mobile number. The message stated, \"Official Traffic Message: Your vehicle has a recorded traffic violation. Check the relevant information through the official portal,\" along with a shortened web link. The user concluded by tagging the Ghana Police Service, stating, \"The scammers have started.\" The Ghana Police Service clarifies that a legitimate notice originates solely from the sender ID GPS-MTTD. Any message from a different sender or containing a clickable link is likely a scam, according to the TraffiTech-GH guidance. The MTTD mentioned during the launch that notices would include a link to view video evidence of the infraction. To view the evidence, motorists are instructed to visit traffitech-ghpay.nib.com.gh using the ticket number provided in the notice. A genuine notice includes essential details such as the ticket number, vehicle registration, offense, location, date, time, fine amount, and payment deadline. Payments can be made via mobile money, card, through the TraffiTech-GH payment portal, or by dialing 7100#. The police emphasize that motorists should never send money to a personal number or private account to settle a TraffiTech-GH fine. They urge the public to report suspicious messages through 191 or the toll-free number 18555. Fake fine texts had been circulating prior to the system's launch. Rollins Orlu, a representative from IT firm Darrel Technologies, received a fraudulent message on October 9 from an ordinary mobile number. The message falsely claimed that a mobile speed camera had recorded the recipient's vehicle. The link directed users to a fraudulent DVLA website demanding a fine of GH¢120 or a reduced amount of GH¢60 within 48 hours, followed by the request for card details. The DVLA warned on October 21 that scammers were texting links to fake payment platforms, sometimes offering discounts or urgent deadlines. The DVLA stated, \"The DVLA does not offer discounts on fines.\" In February, the police warned about a fake electronic traffic violation notice circulating online. The Police Intelligence Directorate subsequently arrested seven suspects involved in the scam. Policy analyst Bright Simons expressed on X in October that \"the scammers are already ahead of the system.\"",
  "summary": "FRAUDSTERS are sending fake traffic-fine text messages to motorists, a day after the police launched TraffiTech-GH, the camera-based system that notifies offenders by SMS. The system went live on Sunday, starting with speeding at crash-prone locations. Notices of fines are sent to vehicle owners’ phones. On Monday morning, an X user shared a screenshot of … The post Fake TraffiTech-GH fine texts…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "3News",
        "title": "Fake TraffiTech-GH fine texts hit phones a day after launch",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/fake-traffitech-gh-fine-texts-hit-phones-a-day-after-launch",
        "published": "2026-11-02T23:18:46.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}