Greek police are warning drivers about a text-message scam that claims a traffic violation and sends victims to a counterfeit gov.gr website designed to steal their bank details.
The messages come from a sender labeled "GOV Car" and link to a site called "egovelas.com," which police say copies official state services. Screenshots police posted on Facebook show a form asking for personal and card data.
The scammers cite an illegal-parking fine of just €10 and warn it will rise to €150 after a deadline, pressing victims to pay before thinking.
Police said such scams now appear almost weekly, growing as Greece expands cameras, speed radar and electronic fines. Earlier versions used the sender "GR GOV," offered 50% discounts for quick payment, or claimed unpaid road tax.
Authorities' advice is the same each time: government services do not send text messages with payment links.
Never click them or enter card details, e-banking credentials or other sensitive data on sites reached that way. To check for a fine, log into your Citizen's Inbox on gov.gr by typing the address into a browser.
Anyone who has entered banking details should call their bank at once and report it to police and the Cybercrime Unit at cyberalert@cybercrimeunit.gov.gr.