The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has received complaints regarding text blasts sent to several individuals.

The text messages claim that the recipients have committed a violation under the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP). However, it was revealed in the investigation that the messages did not originate from the agency, according to MMDA chief Atty. Romando Artes.

“Tingin namin, napakarami ng naloko. Kasi sa amin alone, 180 plus na, almost 200 na tao na ang nagbabayad po ng penalty na wala naman pong huli talaga. Nang tinanong namin kung bakit sila nagbayad ang lumalabas po ay naka-receive sila ng text,” he said

[“We believe a large number of people have been scammed. In our office alone, over 180, almost 200 people paid penalties even though they had no actual violations. When we asked why they paid, it turned out they had received a text.”]

The MMDA also coordinated with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate and track down those behind the distribution of the fraudulent messages.

MMDA Chairman Atty. Artes advised the public to never click any links contained in such text messages once received, as it may compromise personal information, including bank details.

“Nagkakaroon din po ng phishing scam ito. Bakit? Kasi pag kinlick mo yung yung site, mapupunta ka sa page, ipapa-input yung pangalan mo, MB file number, plate number, in which case nakukuha na nila yung data,”  he said

[“There is also a phishing scam involved here. Why? Because when you click the site, it directs you to a page asking you to input your name, MB file number, plate number, in which case they get the data.”]

“Tapos pag nagbayad ka, more likely yung kung GCash ka or e-wallet ka makukuha yung information mo, baka mamaya malilimos pa yung pera mo eventually na nakalagay doon sa inyong e-wallet,” he added

[“Then, you’ll pay; more likely if you’re using GCash or e-wallet, your information will be obtained, and your e-wallet may eventually be drained. That is why this must be ended immediately.”]

The MMDA Chairman added that motorists should check their potential violations on the official site and settle a transaction there to avoid falling victim to fraud.

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