Cops: Don’t fall for email scam about outstanding traffic summonses

KUALA LUMPUR: A new scam tactic has been detected by Bukit Aman where scammers send an email claiming that the recipient has an outstanding traffic summons.

The email also has a link for the recipient to "pay your fine" and advice to resolve the issue in order to avoid further punitive action.

Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said police have been made aware of the email that is making the rounds.

"My advice is not to entertain or respond to these messages as the police force will never issue such things.

"A notice of payment, as far as the police are concerned, is the summons itself," he said when contacted on Tuesday (Sept 5).

Comm Ramli said the police would not come up with any additional means to demand that summonses are settled.

"Why would the police want to incur additional costs for printing or sending such demands online? It is absurd and does not make sense," he said.

He urged the public to be cautious when opening such email with unverified links as scammers can use such links for phishing scams.

These scams trick users into exposing personal and sensitive data, such as passwords and banking details, or into downloading malware, thus exposing themselves to cybercrime.

The email sighted by The Star has the police logo letterhead and states:

"We would like to draw your attention once again to a recent traffic offence.

“Our internal compliance department has noted that you have violated the rule governing the use of common areas, and we observe that your fine has still not been paid.

“This contradicts the principles set out in policy (no.5874-247), which was put in place to preserve a harmonious community environment.

“It is imperative to stress the pressing need to regularise this fine as quickly as possible.

“Failure to do so could result in serious legal repercussions, including the possibility of prosecution.

“We therefore urge you to handle this situation with the utmost care, to avoid any further legal complications.

“It is crucial to emphasize that you are obliged to comply with all legal obligations concerning infringements and sanctions.

“We stress the importance of resolving this situation immediately to avoid any further punitive action.”

A link is also attached with the email for users to pay the "fine".