Cybercrime Southeast Europe Newsletter No. 98

Received an SMS about a parking fine? You may already be targeted by a scam

In recent days, citizens across Serbia have been receiving messages that appear, at first glance, to be official notifications about traffic violations.

The message usually looks convincing – it claims that a vehicle was “recorded by a camera,” includes a case number, sets a 24-hour deadline for payment, and even offers a “50% discount” if you act immediately.

That is exactly the first red flag.

This scam is simple, but highly effective. The message creates a sense of urgency and pressure, pushing you to react quickly and click on a link that leads to a fake website.

On that website, you are asked to enter your payment card details – giving scammers direct access to your money.

It is important to understand the following:

The Serbian Ministry of Interior (MUP) never sends fines via SMS messages that include payment links.

Official communication regarding traffic violations is conducted exclusively through the eUprava portal, via the electronic mailbox service.

There are several clear warning signs that the message is a scam:

The message comes from a foreign number (often starting with +63 or similar)
The link leads to a suspicious domain that does not end in .gov.rs
The message is generic and does not include your name or vehicle details
There is strong pressure and a short deadline to act immediately

These are not coincidences – they are standard techniques used by scammers.

The biggest mistake in these situations is reacting without verification.

Clicking the link, entering your data, or even replying to the message can make you a target for further abuse.

If you receive such a message:

– do not open the link
– do not respond
– block the number
– and check any potential fines only through official channels

The key takeaway is simple: a scam does not begin when your money is gone, but at the moment you are pushed to act without thinking.

That is why the most important step is to pause, verify, and avoid making decisions under pressure.

Your DefendMe Team