Cancun, Quintana Roo — Authorities are warning residents about a surge in SMS phishing scams that impersonate state traffic agencies and demand payment for fake digital traffic fines.
In recent weeks, multiple residents have reported receiving text messages on their phones claiming that a traffic violation was recorded by a “traffic control system.” The messages urge recipients to check and pay the supposed fine immediately to avoid vehicle immobilization. The texts include suspicious links that redirect to fake websites requesting personal and banking information.
Victims say the scammers pose as agencies such as SATQROO and IMOVEQROO to appear legitimate. However, many messages contain spelling errors, poor grammar, and suspicious domain names that do not match official government websites.
How the scam works
The scammers send mass texts from various phone numbers, some with foreign area codes, containing fraudulent links. Once a victim clicks the link, they are asked to enter:
- License plate number
- Personal details
- Banking information
- Credit or debit card data
With this information, criminals can commit electronic fraud, make unauthorized charges, or steal identities.
Users have shared some of the phone numbers used in the scam, including numbers ending in 0828 and 0426, but warn that more numbers may be in operation. The scam has intensified in recent days.
As of now, authorities have not issued an official statement, but residents continue to alert others about the fraudulent messages circulating in Cancun and other municipalities in Quintana Roo.
