You receive a text message on your cell phone: it claims you have an unpaid traffic ticket and must pay immediately. Your first instinct might be to click the link. That’s exactly what the scammers are trying to get you to do.
The Greek Police and the National Cybersecurity Authority have issued official warnings in 2026 about deceptive text messages posing as traffic violation notices. The scam has appeared in more than one form, including warnings that a fine has remained unpaid for days.
How the scam works
The message tries to create a sense of urgency: it mentions an overdue debt, additional charges, or a “last chance.” It then asks you to click on a URL that may look like a government service but isn’t. Such a page may ask for personal information or credit card details.
Neither the logo nor the sender’s name is proof of authenticity. The name in an SMS does not guarantee that it was actually sent by the service mentioned.
The four red flags to watch out for
- Time pressure: a threat of an immediate surcharge or alleged penalties if you do not pay right away.
- Payment link: an unfamiliar URL, often containing words that mimic government agencies.
- Request for a card or passwords: an unexpected notification directs you to a form asking for personal or banking information.
- Vague details: lack of clear, verifiable identification of the matter.
What to do if you receive this
Do not click the link and do not make a payment via SMS. If you’re wondering whether there’s a genuine outstanding issue, verify it only through the official website or by phone using contact information you find independently. Do not use any phone number included in the suspicious message.
If you’ve already provided your card information, contact your bank immediately to take the necessary steps. If you entered a password, change it through the official service and enable two-factor authentication where supported. Save the message or take a screenshot for a potential report.
The Bottom Line
The SMS containing the “bill” is not proof of debt. The safe course of action is to verify the information independently, not to make a payment based on an unsolicited message.
Sources: National Cybersecurity Authority, March 11, 2026; Hellenic Police, May 4, 2026.