The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has warned motorists and the general public against fraudulent text messages and online payment links used by scammers to collect money under the pretext of paying fines.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, October 21, the Authority said fraudsters were sending fake SMS messages while posing as officials authorised to collect fines on its behalf.
The messages reportedly contain links directing recipients to fake websites or payment platforms, where they are asked to pay fines they allegedly owe the DVLA.
According to the Authority, some of the messages create a sense of urgency by setting payment deadlines or offering discounts to pressure recipients into making payments without verifying the claims.
The DVLA has dismissed the messages as fraudulent and urged the public to ignore them.
“The DVLA wishes to categorically inform the general public that these messages are fraudulent and must be disregarded,” the notice stated.
The Authority stressed that it does not offer discounts on fines and cautioned motorists against messages, websites or individuals claiming to provide such offers.
“The DVLA does not offer discounts on fines. Any SMS, website, platform, or person claiming to offer discounted DVLA fines is fraudulent,” it said.
The DVLA advised motorists not to assume that a payment request is genuine simply because it refers to a fine or appears to come from an official source.
It urged anyone who receives such messages to verify the information through its recognised communication channels before making any payment or clicking on suspicious links.
The Authority also clarified that Ghana.gov.gh is the only approved online payment gateway for its transactions, warning the public against using other websites or unofficial payment links claiming to represent the DVLA.
It further directed the public to its official website, www.dvla.gov.gh, to verify information about its services and transactions.
The warning forms part of efforts to protect motorists from financial losses and prevent fraudsters from exploiting the public through fake payment requests.
“The only acceptable online payment gateway for DVLA transactions is the Government of Ghana’s official payment platform, https://www.Ghana.gov.gh,” the notice said.
The Authority added that any website, shortened link or other online platform claiming to represent the DVLA outside its approved channels should be treated with suspicion.
As part of measures to protect the public against the scams, the DVLA has advised motorists not to click on suspicious links, disclose personal information or make payments through unofficial platforms.
It also urged the public to confirm all information relating to its services through its official website, recognised DVLA offices and approved public communication channels.
The Authority said anyone who receives a suspicious text message should report it to the nearest DVLA office or the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and action.
