Baghdad warns of fake traffic fine SMS messages targeting citizens

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Citizens in Baghdad have reported receiving fraudulent SMS messages demanding payment for traffic fines, sent in the name of the General Traffic Directorate. The messages cite offenses such as speeding or illegal roadside parking and direct recipients to transfer money to credit card accounts set up by the scammers. The fraudulent texts began circulating shortly after the General Traffic Directorate moved to digitize its procedures for monitoring traffic violations and processing fines, according to the report. Authorities have stressed that the messages have no connection to official institutions and urged the public not to make any payments. No further details on the scale of the scam or any related investigations were immediately available.