Highway Bureau warns public about traffic fine email scams

Taipei, Jan. 3 (CNA) The Highway Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) on Friday warned the public about an email scam involving payments for outstanding traffic fines.

If members of the public receive a message telling them they have an outstanding traffic fine that needs to be settled before "a certain deadline" via a provided link, they need to be aware this is a scam, the bureau said in a news release.

It is a fake message and the link in the email does not correspond to a government agency, the bureau said.

Although related motor vehicle management offices do issue text messages to owners about the payment of outstanding fines, they are only "reminders" and never provide designated links, the bureau said.

Recipients are reminded to be aware of potential scams and advised to confirm any messages with their local motor vehicle office, it added.

"Do not click on unknown emails, text messages, or links," it said.

Members of the public wishing to check whether they have any outstanding fines for traffic violations or fees to pay are advised to download the MOTC's Motor Vehicle Driver Information Service (MVDIS) app or go to its official website, the bureau said.