Greek authorities are warning about a more sophisticated phishing scam involving fake SMS messages claiming that recipients have been fined for traffic violations.
The scammers are now using highly convincing fake websites designed to make the messages appear to be part of a genuine notification and payment process.
The fraudulent SMS contains a link that directs recipients to a fake online environment. There, the website displays purported details of a traffic violation, including the vehicle’s alleged speed, the applicable speed limit, the date of the violation, penalty points and the amount of the fine.
The goal is to convince recipients that a genuine traffic violation has been recorded and that they are being directed to an official payment procedure.
The 50% discount trap
The latest version of the scam is made even more convincing by offering a supposed 50% discount on the fine if it is paid within a specified period.
The fake discount is a key lure. By suggesting that the offer will expire soon, the scammers create a sense of urgency and pressure recipients to make an immediate payment without first checking whether the notification is legitimate.
The Hellenic Police has made clear that the messages are part of a phishing scam and that the websites involved are not official platforms of the police or any other public authority.
Beware of messages posing as gov.gr
Authorities are also urging particular caution with messages that appear to come from gov.gr, Greece’s official government services portal, or another public service.
The Hellenic Police emphasizes that gov.gr does not send SMS links for the payment of traffic fines.
Recipients should therefore not follow links included in such messages, even when the messages appear completely authentic.
The absence of spelling or grammatical mistakes is no longer a reliable indication that a message is genuine. According to authorities, newer versions of the scam use more polished language and a much more professional appearance.
What recipients should do
Authorities advise citizens to:
- Do not click on links included in suspicious SMS messages.
- Do not enter personal information, bank card details or online banking credentials.
- Delete the message without taking any further action.
- For any government-related check or transaction, visit the official gov.gr website directly by typing the address into the browser themselves.
- Do not use links sent by SMS or other messages to access services involving personal or financial information.
What to do if you have already provided bank details
Anyone who has already entered banking information on the fake website or completed a transaction through the link should immediately contact their bank and notify the relevant police authorities, according to the Hellenic Police.
The police has also released an indicative screenshot of the latest fake website to help citizens more easily recognize the scam.
The authorities’ central warning is straightforward: No SMS, no matter how official it appears, should direct you to a link to pay a traffic fine.
