Panama Scam Alert – Fake News Regarding Traffic Tickets Issued

BEWARE: What people have been receiving on WhatsApp looks like a traffic ticket notice with a link to pay it (see photo below).  Some folks have become suspicious as they weren’t involved in any traffic violations, some don’t own or drive a vehicle, some have a vehicle registered in their significant other’s name etc.  Nevertheless, just to be safe, some people have visited their municipal building or place to pay traffic tickets to check, and were told that it was a scam, and they had no such infractions.  Unfortunately some folks have paid the $10 fake ticket as a “nuisance fee” and subsequently their credit card was charged more money than the $10 fee. One individual had a $350 charge on their credit card from these scammers. Therefore cancelling that card and ordering a new one might be your only option.  Below is a typical WhatsApp that you might receive.  The +63 area code is from the Philippines.