Scammers exploit AI traffic rollout to fleece motorists

Technology professional Abdur Rakib recently received an SMS claiming that he had been fined for overspeeding and was required to pay Tk3,000. The message also offered a discounted settlement of Tk1,500 if the payment was made within seven days.

Sharing his experience on social media, Rakib said he initially believed the message but later became suspicious. He said he was surprised that even someone familiar with technology could be misled by the scam.

Investigations by TBS have found that, like Rakib, a significant number of motorists have fallen victim to this scam following the launch of AI-based traffic monitoring on 4 May at key intersections across Dhaka, with the system designed to automatically detect traffic violations and generate case reports.

Scam mechanism and digital deception

Police officials explained that the fraudulent messages typically come from foreign numbers and include links designed to resemble official government or transport authority websites. Once users click these links, they are prompted to enter sensitive banking information, including card details, which can then be used for financial theft.

The fake websites closely imitate official transport-related platforms, creating a convincing but deceptive interface intended to mislead victims into making payments. Some messages also attempt to pressure recipients by offering discounted fines for early payment.

Police warning

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has confirmed that the SMS messages are entirely fraudulent and not issued by its traffic division.

In a statement released yesterday, the DMP said although AI-based traffic enforcement has begun, no fines are currently being communicated through mobile SMS. At present, official notices are being delivered only by post.

Authorities also clarified that while a system for sending mobile notifications is planned, it has not yet been activated. The DMP stated that only specific official numbers, including 01320-042207 and 01320-042227, may be used for SMS communication when necessary.

DMP Senior System Analyst Sharmin Afroze, who oversees the AI camera infrastructure, told TBS that while digital notifications are planned for the future, the system is not yet operational.

The DMP clarified that it never requests PIN codes, passwords or one-time passwords through SMS or any other communication channel.

It advised citizens to contact designated helplines or dial 999 in case of urgent concerns.