Prosecution Service warns about fake traffic fine text messages

ORANJESTAD — The Public Prosecution Service (OM) is warning residents about a scam circulating again through SMS messages falsely claiming that recipients have outstanding traffic fines.

According to OM spokesperson Ann Angela, the scam, which has been linked to Morocco, resurfaced today. Since this morning, the office has received around 40 calls from residents who received the fraudulent messages. Some people also reported receiving suspicious phone calls.

Angela said many recipients fortunately recognized that something was wrong and contacted the authorities instead of responding.

The Prosecution Service stresses that it does not contact people in this manner.

“We never approach people this way. All official communication from the Prosecution Service is sent by letter,” Angela said.

Residents are advised not to respond to the messages, not to open suspicious links and never to provide personal or banking information.