Urgent Scam Alert: Criminals Demand Payment for Nonexistent Traffic Violations
Thousands of people in the Netherlands have reported receiving fake traffic fines in recent weeks, according to the Centraal Justitieel Incassobureau (Central Judicial Collection Agency – CJIB), raising concerns about a large-scale fraud campaign.
The CJIB revealed it received around 5,200 calls in just one week from individuals questioning the authenticity of fines they had received. This is a sharp increase compared to the usual few dozen reports per week, prompting an ongoing investigation into the cause.
The fraudulent fines are being distributed through email, SMS, and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp. However, authorities emphasized that the CJIB never sends fines through these digital channels, warning the public to remain cautious.
Many of the scam messages pressure recipients to pay within 24 hours to avoid penalties such as increased fines or the loss of a driving license. The amounts mentioned typically range between 150 and 680 euros, with threats that the fine will double if not paid quickly.
These messages often include links to fake websites designed to steal money and personal information. Victims are tricked into providing sensitive details such as their date of birth, phone number, and home address.
Experts believe the sudden rise in scam activity may be linked to a recent data breach at telecom provider Odido, which reportedly exposed the personal data of millions of customers. This information could be used by criminals to make fraudulent messages appear more convincing.
Authorities also noted a growing trend of scams being spread عبر WhatsApp, marking a new development in such fraud schemes. Officials urge people to verify any fine through the official website cjib.nl and to never trust payment links sent عبر messages.
Legitimate CJIB fines can be recognized by a large “M” printed on the top right corner of official mailed letters. Digital notifications are only sent through the Berichtenbox (Message Box) on MijnOverheid, not through direct links in emails or text messages.
The CJIB advises the public to carefully check bank account numbers against official details listed on its website and to remain vigilant against increasingly sophisticated scam attempts.