The DGT warns of a new attempt to scam drivers with fake fines: "Don't even think about it, it's fraud."

Since the internet became a part of our daily lives, many procedures have been streamlined, as they can now be completed online, saving time and avoiding bureaucracy. However, technology has also opened the door to new methods of theft, fraud, and crime . To avoid falling into online traps , authorities are responsible for alerting users when they discover an attempted scam.

The best example is the General Directorate of Traffic , which periodically publishes a new scam attempt on its website and social media. Without going any further, the DGT recently shared a warning on its X profile about fraudulent fines that are beginning to appear in some parts of Spain .

On this occasion, criminals are placing a piece of paper on some vehicles that purportedly represents a parking ticket . The document is signed by the Ministry of the Interior and the Traffic Department, so some users could fall into the trap of thinking it's a real fine.

Additionally, a QR code is included that, when scanned, redirects the user to a payment gateway with the DGT logo and even a support chat, where the scammers respond to victims' questions. On this platform, criminals attempt to get drivers to pay a nonexistent fine of up to 80 euros.

However, the Traffic Department has explained that the alleged fine "does not contain any identification of either the vehicle or the owner, and includes a QR code, which is not the case with DGT notifications." As if that weren't enough, the wording is rife with spelling mistakes, such as the word "derección" (direction) instead of "direccion" (direction).

Finally, one of the keys to identifying whether it's a fraudulent fine is that it's supposedly a fine issued by the ORA (Organic Traffic Authority) for improper parking, an infraction that falls under local jurisdiction . In other words, local governments are responsible for issuing fines for violations in regulated parking , so it makes no sense for the fine to come from the DGT (Directorate-General for Traffic).