{
  "id": 8244813,
  "title": "Lagos warns motorists against fake traffic fine messages",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/lagos-warns-motorists-against-fake-traffic-fine-messages",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-18T12:46:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/lagos-warns-motorists-against-fake-traffic-fine-messages/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has issued a warning to motorists and the public against fraudulent text messages and malicious links that claim to inform users about alleged traffic offences. These messages are designed to deceive motorists and steal sensitive personal and banking information. The ministry urged motorists not to click on unverified links, share personal information, or make payments through third-party platforms, as these activities could result in the theft of confidential data. The ministry also cautioned motorists against platforms offering discounts on traffic penalties and emphasized that all official statutory fines are strictly fixed. Motorists are advised to verify the authenticity of traffic tickets and check their vehicle status only through the state’s approved platforms, namely payvis.ng and tms.lagosstate.gov.ng. The warning comes as there have been concerns over fraudulent online platforms targeting motorists through fake traffic offence notices and payment requests.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Lagos warns motorists against fake traffic fine messages",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/lagos-warns-motorists-against-fake-traffic-fine-messages-8245185",
        "published": "2026-09-18T12:48:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}