Photo Radar Text Scams

Police are warning the public to be aware of a Photo Radar scam after multiple reports from citizens have been received over the last few days. This new take on a common Phishing scam is sending text messages from “Alberta Drive Safe/ Safe Roads Alberta / City of Lethbridge” stating the individual has an unpaid ticket from photo radar and has a “click on a link” direction within the text to pay the ticket.

Some tips to protect yourself:

• Photo Radar tickets are mailed out to the registered owner of a vehicle
• If no payment is received, the fine will be levied against the registration of the vehicle
• Government agencies will not send out text messages with links requesting information or payment
• If you receive an unsolicited text or email with a link attached, never click the link
• If you think you may have an unpaid ticket, contact your local authority or registration center to verify
• Do not provide any money or personal information
• Delete the text or email right away

Legitimate Lethbridge Photo Radar Ticketing does NOT send texts for unpaid tickets. Tickets are mailed to the registered owner address and payment and non-payments are dealt with by Alberta Courts and Alberta Registries. Registered owners receive a Notice of Conviction to their address and overdue payments are attached to vehicle registration. 

You can search to see if you have a ticket at: https://traffictickets.alberta.ca/ or check for overdue fines and more information regarding the scam at: https://www.alberta.ca/fines-enforcement-program.