If you’ve received a text message demanding payment for a speeding ticket, you wouldn’t be the only one in B.C. getting it. The Kelowna RCMP just issued a warning to the public about such messages, as these fraudulent texts can be misleading enough to get you to click their links.
Scam Ticket Texts
You might have seen these texts before. Usually, it’s a message regarding an outstanding speeding ticket– or something similar– that is sent under the guise of some authority figure. In this case, it’s the “RCMP”, and they’re asking you to pay for an outstanding speeding ticket.
Of course, these messages are fraudulent, and aren’t actually from any kind of police. Law enforcement agencies “do not issue speeding tickets via text message.” Infractions are instead served in-person or in the mail to the vehicle’s owner.
Those that are especially vulnerable to fraudulent text messages are at a greater risk of clicking these links. The RCMP urges you to inform your family and friends in order to avoid being scammed.
Other Types Of Scams
ICBC has also issued their own warning about holiday season scammers.
“We’re aware that customers are receiving text messages asking them to make payments for driving fines or outstanding debt,” says ICBC. “These text messages are not from ICBC, they’re a scam. Anyone receiving a text message with these requests should delete it.”
Just like the RCMP, ICBC does not contact customers via text. Identity confirmation and payments are also not asked through text, either.
The best way to protect yourself from these types of scams is to delete the unsolicited text message. ICBC also notes that you should “always verify that you’re on the correct ICBC website before logging in.” Don’t provide any personal or financial information to a text or email, and don’t reply to unknown senders or calling phone numbers from suspicious text messages.
For more information on scam ticket texts, you can check out ICBC’s warning here.
