Scam SMS messages urge drivers to pay tolls and fines
Fraudsters are once again targeting Czech drivers. They are sending fake SMS messages that appear to be official requests to pay tolls, fines, or other fees. The issue has been highlighted by the Ministry of Transport itself. Attackers rely on a well-known tactic: creating fear and pressure to make people act without verification.
Summary: Do not respond to SMS messages requesting payment for tolls or fines
- Scam messages urge immediate payment of an alleged fee
- They contain links to fake payment websites
- Official institutions never communicate this way (only using data box or mail)
- The goal is to obtain payment details or money
This is not how the state collects fines
The message typically claims an unpaid toll or fine and urges immediate payment. Scam messages often include specific threats, such as penalties, restrictions on vehicle use, or even legal action. A typical example reads: “According to our records, you still have outstanding toll invoices. A 15 percent late payment fee will be charged.” The links in the message lead to fake websites that mimic official portals. These sites use logos and formal language that resemble the official portals closely, while asking for low enough amounts of money to not raise suspicion. Once users enter their payment card details, the information ends up in the hands of attackers.
The Ministry of Transport warns that such messages are not legitimate. Government institutions do not request payment for tolls or fines via SMS or email. Official communication takes place through other channels, such as postal mail, data boxes, or in-person checks.
Watch out when buying a highway vignette
Fraudsters also exploit the purchase of highway vignettes. Fake websites appear that imitate official online shops. In reality, they may:
- Charge hidden or significantly higher fees
- Collect payment details
- Or fail to provide a valid vignette altogether
The Ministry of Transport therefore repeatedly recommends purchasing only through the official portal edalnice.cz. We have covered this issue in our older article .
Received such a message?
- Do not respond
- Do not click on any links
- Do not enter any personal or payment details
- Delete the message or mark it as spam
If in doubt, always verify the information directly with the official institution, never through a link in the message.
Entered your details? Act immediately
If you clicked the link or entered payment details, act as quickly as possible. Every minute counts:
- Contact your bank and block your card
- Check your account for suspicious transactions
- Change your login credentials if you entered them
- Consider reporting the incident to the police
Scams keep evolving
Fake SMS messages about tolls and fines regularly reappear in new forms. The principle remains the same: to create fear and pressure recipients to act without verification. The best defense is caution. If a message urges you to act quickly, take a step back. Want to stay one step ahead? Follow our blog, where we regularly cover the latest digital threats.
Final Safety Recommendations
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Our app Redamp.io includes a Safe Surfing feature that effectively handles protection against the latest threats such as phishing or malware.
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Stay informed! Read our blog and follow notifications in the app about the latest threats we are monitoring for you.
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Be cautious! Pay special attention to:
- phishing (fraudulent emails),
- smishing (fraudulent SMS messages),
- vishing (fraudulent phone calls),
- quishing (fraudulent QR codes),
- and ransomware (ransomware software).