Drivers may receive SMS messages from scammers posing as authorities reporting a travel debt on a toll highway, a tactic highlighted by Sputnik radio citing lawyer Ivan Solovyov. The messages often claim an outstanding toll that supposedly must be settled within a tight deadline, aiming to induce urgency and prompt payment from unsuspecting motorists.
Solovyov explains that among the messages sent, some recipients are actually driving on toll roads with barrier-free toll collection. The system designed for convenience allows motorists to pass through without stopping, but tolls are calculated and charged later, sometimes within five days. This creates a ripe opportunity for fraudulent notices that mimic official alerts, urging drivers to pay promptly to avoid penalties.
Law enforcement and cybersecurity experts note that these campaigns are launched indiscriminately. The messages are not tailored to a specific individual and are sent in bulk, with the perpetrators hoping that a few recipients will recognize themselves or react due to the fear of accruing debt. People who do not drive on toll routes can still receive these notices, which complicates the defense against scam attempts. The attackers rely on chance and the volume of messages to achieve results, rather than targeted manipulation.
Separately, an automobile lawyer, Grigory Kolpakov, discusses accountability in the event of a traffic incident where the involved vehicle does not suffer visible damage. In such scenarios, a driver can still be deemed at fault for causing an accident. This underscores the importance of properly documenting the scene at the time of the incident. Police officers arriving at the site should be provided with a precise diagram of the crash, a clear sense of the placement of all vehicles, and a careful note of any traffic violations observed. Eyewitness statements should be sought promptly to support a thorough and fair assessment of responsibility.
In related developments, there have been earlier reports about smugglers who violate new procedures for restricting driver licenses, with potential penalties including fines or arrest. Analysts emphasize that any changes to licensing procedures require careful public communication and robust enforcement to prevent exploitation. For motorists, staying informed about regulatory updates, verifying any notices received, and maintaining accurate records of all traffic events can reduce risk. When doubt arises, consulting a qualified attorney or the relevant transportation authority is advised to confirm the legitimacy of communications and to determine proper steps for compliance and defense.