We came across this image being forwarded on WhatsApp:
The image shows what appears to be a letter notifying an individual who committed a traffic offence sent by the Singapore Traffic Police. The letter is purportedly signed off by the “Head Investigation” of the Traffic Police, and asks the individual to pay a $100 fine via scanning a QR code, going through the Police’s website, or via AXS or SAM machines.
Along with the image is text written in red warning that letters as such are “latest tatics (sic) by scammers”. The text also states that the Traffic Police and Land Transport Authority (LTA) do not have PayNow accounts, and this is evidence that such letters are not legitimate.
While one might be inclined to err on the side of caution, given the scams impersonating the Police going around these days, it’s important to note that the letter appears to contain details that an average scammer would very likely not be privy to. For example, in the letter, we see the individual’s full name, address, and driving license number being listed.
Reverse scam?
When we did a Google search of the keywords “traffic police scam letter”, we were led to a report on The Straits Times back in May referencing this particular viral image, albeit with a slightly different warning text. In a statement released by the Police, the image’s accompanying text then was: “Scam tricking you to pay fine via a QR code.. there is no mention on the date/time and location of the offence. Please don’t blur blur and scan the QR code to pay…”.
The Police then clarified that the letter was actually genuine, and road users who “commit compoundable traffic offence(s) would receive such notices to inform them of the offence details, demerit points and the fine amount”. Further details of the traffic offence committed may also be found on subsequent pages of such letters.
They added that members of the public would be able to verify details of traffic offences and fines via this link: https://eservices.police.gov.sg/content/policehubhome/homepage/enquiry.html and go to “Status of Outstanding Traffic Offence and Payment of Fines” under the “Traffic Matters” tab.
Therefore, the viral image of the letter is actually legitimate and it is true that the Traffic Police issued it to a member of the public.
