DMP warns people against fraudulent SMS

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) warned the city- dwellers not to fall victim to fraudulent SMS, circulating on social media platforms that falsely claim to be related to traffic fines imposed by its Traffic Division.

"These messages are entirely fake, and we urge citizens not to be misled or defrauded by such communication," said a press release, issued by DMP's Media and Public Relations Division on Monday.

It said traffic cases, filed under the Road Transport Act, 2018 through artificial intelligence (AI) and video surveillance system, are processed through official procedures.

"When a vehicle is fined, a letter signed by the responsible officer of the relevant traffic division or Traffic Technical Unit is sent to the registered address of the vehicle owner."

The DMP press release also said SMS notifications regarding AI or video-based traffic cases, if necessary, are sent only from the mobile numbers 01320-042207 and 01320-042227.

Fines for traffic violations can be paid through approved online banking platforms, including Upay and CBL.

The DMP further said its traffic division personnel would never ask citizens to disclose their PIN codes, passwords, one-time passwords (OTPs), or any other confidential banking information.

For information regarding AI or video-generated traffic cases, the citizens have been advised to contact Delta-3 at 01320-042207, 01320-042227, or the national emergency service 999.

The DMP called upon the people to remain vigilant and avoid being deceived by false information or scam messages circulating on social media and other digital platforms.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com