In Navarra, police have recorded a new wave of fraud: scammers are sending out SMS messages, posing as representatives of the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT). In these messages, drivers are threatened with a fine for allegedly unpaid toll road charges and are told to pay immediately. The main goal is to gain access to victims’ personal and banking information.
According to the local Guardia Civil, attempts at fraud have already been detected, although no confirmed cases of successful money theft have been reported yet. The scheme relies on creating a sense of urgency: the SMS specifies a particular amount and threatens an increased fine if payment is not received soon. A link is provided to make the payment, directing recipients to a fake website that visually mimics the official DGT resource. On this page, users are asked to enter their bank card details and other confidential information.
How the scheme works
Fraudsters use a ‘smishing’ tactic to alarm drivers and force them to act without thinking. The message refers to an alleged official toll debt, and the link leads to a counterfeit page whose layout and logos fully replicate the DGT style. Entering information on this site results in it being passed on to criminals.
Authorities’ response and recommendations
The Guardia Civil emphasizes: the Dirección General de Tráfico does not send notifications about fines or debts via SMS or email. Official notifications are delivered only by mail (a registered letter to your home address) or through the Dirección Electrónica Vial (DEV) — a special service for those who have activated electronic notifications. If you receive a suspicious message, police advise not to click on any links, not to enter personal data, and to delete the SMS immediately. If the data has already been entered, you should urgently contact your bank to block your card and file a report with the police.
Context and other cases
In recent years, Spain has seen a rise in fraud attempts involving fake notifications from government agencies. Similar schemes have already been reported in other regions of the country, and experts note that criminals are increasingly using psychological pressure tactics. It is important to remember that any demands for payment via unofficial channels should raise suspicion. Issues of security and protection of personal data are becoming ever more pressing, especially as digital threats continue to grow. In similar cases involving fraud attempts and overloading of official services, archives in Catalonia have already faced a surge in suspicious requests, which has also drawn the authorities’ attention to the problem of fake inquiries.
The police continue to monitor the situation and urge residents of the region to be especially vigilant regarding any messages related to payment of fines or fees. In case of doubt, it is recommended to contact official authorities directly or consult with your bank.
