Fake traffic fine texts targeting mobile phone users with fraudulent links: DMP

A fraudulent network is sending fake SMS messages to Bangladeshi mobile phone users, falsely claiming that recipients have unpaid traffic fines and directing them to counterfeit websites to extract money, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Gulshan Traffic Division warned today (18 April).

Screenshots of the scam messages, which have circulated on social media, show texts in Bangla urging recipients to immediately pay overdue speeding fines and toll charges, with links to suspicious domains including "bsapqzc.lat" and "bspbrta-gov.top," neither of which is an official government website.

A mobile phone screengrab displays a fraudulent SMS claiming unpaid traffic fines and urging immediate payment via a suspicious link. Photo: Screengrab

DMP Deputy Commissioner Mizanur Rahman issued a public notice clarifying that traffic fines in Bangladesh are never collected through SMS links or online URLs of this nature.

Everyone is strongly advised to remain highly vigilant regarding such activities, the notice said.

The post read, "When a case is issued by an on-duty traffic sergeant, a specific case ID is provided. Payment of fines must then be made through designated procedures, such as via approved mobile financial services like UCash or the Upay app."

"In cases involving video or digital offences, individuals are required to visit the relevant traffic office, obtain the case ID and settle the fine through the authorised channels," it added.

It further urged the public not to click on any suspicious messages or links under any circumstances.