General News
Fake Text Messages On Traffic Offences Not From FRSC – Corps Marshal
The Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC has described as fake and fraudulent a scheme involving the circulation of unsolicited text messages purportedly issued by the Corps and notifying recipients of alleged “new road traffic offence records” requiring immediate action.
The fraudulent messages, which are being circulated through mobile devices and social-media platforms, direct unsuspecting members of the public to a deceptive website designed to impersonate the digital identity of the Federal Road Safety Corps.
The Corps is therefore calling on the motoring public to disregard such communications as it did not originate from FRSC.
“The fraudulent message typically creates a sense of urgency by informing the recipient that a new traffic offence has been recorded against them and inviting them to click a link to “review the relevant details.”
The Corps warned that such links may be intended to harvest personal information, financial details or other sensitive data from unsuspecting victims.
According to the FRSC, Members of the public who receive these messages are advised to preserve the evidence, avoid further engagement with the sender and report the matter through appropriate channels.
“For the avoidance of doubt, motorists are advised to verify any alleged traffic offence directly through official FRSC channels and not through links contained in unsolicited messages.”
“The Corps maintains official digital platforms for its services, while its published contact channels include the national toll-free line 122 and the official FRSC website, www.frsc.gov.ng.”
The Corps further warned individuals and criminal elements behind the scheme that the identity, name, insignia, digital platforms and institutional credibility of the Federal Road Safety Corps are not instruments for criminal exploitation.
“The deliberate impersonation of FRSC personnel and the deployment of counterfeit digital platforms to deceive motorists constitute matters of serious concern, and the Corps will work with relevant law-enforcement and cybersecurity authorities to pursue appropriate action against those responsible.”
The Corps Marshal, Mallam Shehu Mohammed has consequently directed that the public be adequately sensitised to the fraudulent scheme, while urging motorists to exercise vigilance in their online engagements.
Mallam Shehu Mohammed stressed that the Corps remains committed to protecting the integrity of its digital systems and ensuring that technology deployed for road safety administration is not exploited by fraudsters to deceive or extort members of the public.
“Members of the public are also encouraged to share this alert widely to prevent unsuspecting motorists from falling victim to the scam; as the Corps will not be responsible for losses arising from engagement with unauthorised websites, links or individuals falsely presenting themselves as representatives of the Corps.”