Photo of a camera taking pictures of traffic / Photo by Keith Driver
With summer activities and busy schedules keeping everyone on the go, a new phishing scam in the city of Lethbridge has caught some people off guard during the hustle and bustle.
The scam starts as a text message from the scammer claiming to be either Alberta Drive Safe, Safe Roads Alberta, or the City of Lethbridge, stating the individual has an unpaid ticket from photo radar, and has a “click on a link” direction within the text to pay the ticket.
Once payment is received, the scammer then either uses the payment information to charge/withdraw large amounts to the victim’s account or sends another message claiming that the first payment was insufficient.
All Alberta photo radar traffic violations are always mailed to the license plate’s registered address of the license plate with information on how to pay the fine through the Alberta Government’s official website.
On July 10th, the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) received multiple reports and complaints about a text message with the link informing them that they have an outstanding ticket.
In a statement made to CJWE by LPS said that among those who reported the scam to the Service, only $12 had been lost at the time of this report.
LPS also advises those who do have any outstanding tickets to pay them right away, so they don’t fall victim to the scam, along with the following advice to keep yourself safe when you receive a potential scam text.
- Photo Radar tickets are mailed out to the registered owner of a vehicle
- If no payment is received, the fine will be levied against the registration of the vehicle
- Government agencies will not send out text messages with links requesting information or payment
- If you receive an unsolicited text or email with a link attached, never click the link
- If you think you may have an unpaid ticket, contact your local authority or registration center to verify
- Do not provide any money or personal information
- Delete the text or email right away
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