Police Alert Public to Fraudulent Online Traffic Fine Message
The Ghana Police Service has warned the public about a fake electronic traffic violation notice making rounds on social media and other digital platforms. In a statement, the Service said it had observed with serious concern a viral message claiming to be an official notice from the Police, informing recipients that they had committed traffic offences and were required to pay fines.
According to the Police, the electronic notification is fraudulent and does not originate from the Service. It stressed that it has not introduced any system that sends digital notices demanding payment for traffic violations. The message, it said, is false, invalid and intended to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
The fake notice reportedly accuses individuals of breaching road traffic regulations and directs them to make payments to resolve the alleged offences. The Police have, however, clarified that no such electronic enforcement mechanism is currently in operation and urged the public to ignore the message.
The Service further cautioned individuals responsible for creating and circulating the false notice to immediately cease their actions. It described the act as criminal and warned that anyone found culpable will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service disclosed that it is working with key stakeholders to introduce a legitimate automated traffic law enforcement system. The institutions involved include the Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Transport, National Road Safety Authority, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, National Insurance Commission and the Ministry of Finance.
The Service said the collaborating institutions are engaging Parliament to amend existing road traffic regulations to enable the rollout of a new programme known as Traffitech-GH in the coming months. It assured the public that further updates will be communicated as discussions progress.
