The Federal Road Safety Corps has cautioned motorists and other members of the public against fraudulent text messages claiming that recipients have been recorded for new road traffic offences.
The Corps said the messages were part of a scam designed to deceive unsuspecting individuals into visiting a fake website created to impersonate the FRSC.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri.
According to the FRSC, the fraudulent messages are being circulated through mobile phones and social media platforms.
The messages reportedly create a sense of urgency by informing recipients that a traffic offence had been recorded against them and directing them to a link to view the alleged offence.
The Corps said the website linked to the messages was fraudulent and had no connection with the FRSC.
It urged motorists who receive such notifications to disregard the links and verify any traffic offence through the agency’s recognised communication channels.
The FRSC warned that clicking on the links could expose victims to attempts to steal sensitive personal and financial information.
It specifically advised members of the public not to provide banking details, passwords, card information, driver’s licence details, vehicle registration information or other confidential data through the suspicious platforms.
The Corps also urged recipients of the fraudulent messages to preserve the evidence, avoid further communication with the senders and report the scam through the appropriate authorities.
It reminded motorists that its national toll-free contact number is 122 and advised members of the public to rely on the agency’s official website and established communication channels for information relating to traffic offences.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, directed that motorists and other members of the public be adequately sensitised about the fraudulent scheme.
Mohammed urged Nigerians to adopt a “stop, verify, report” approach whenever they receive unsolicited messages claiming to be from the FRSC.
The Corps also warned individuals behind the scheme against using its name, insignia and digital platforms to defraud members of the public.
It said it would collaborate with relevant law enforcement and cybersecurity agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for the fraudulent activities.
