Driver receives scam SMS alleging ‘unpaid fine’ in JB, later gets fraudulent transaction attempt on debit card
A warning about a suspected scam SMS has been circulating after a post was shared in the SGRV FRONT MAN’s Facebook group on Wednesday (31 Dec 2025), cautioning motorists who have just entered Johor Bahru (JB), Malaysia.
The post advised drivers to avoid clicking suspicious links from SMS messages claiming to be from traffic authorities.
Source: SGRV FRONT MAN on Facebook
SMS claims unpaid toll offence and penalties if payment is not made
According to the post, the victim received SMS messages from two seemingly legitimate sources: 15888 (the official Bank Negara Malaysia number) and PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police).
However, these messages were part of a scam.
The victim reported receiving an SMS at 11.26 am from 15888, allegedly from “JPJ Traffic”.
The message falsely claimed the recipient had an “unpaid toll offence” and demanded “immediate payment” to avoid penalties.
Source: SGRV FRONT MAN on Facebook
Link leads to page mimicking Malaysian payment portal
After clicking the provided link, the victim was directed to a website that appeared to be a genuine payment portal.
The page, branded as “MyBayar PDRM”, stated that the user had an “Unsuccessful Automatic Toll Payment”.
Source: SGRV FRONT MAN on Facebook
The page listed an alleged unpaid road toll of RM12.80 (S$4.06), with an invoice dated 31 Dec 2024 and an expiry date of 31 Dec 2025.
It also warned of enforcement action if the fine was unpaid.
Despite having only S$12 in their bank account, the user entered their debit card details, believing the fine was manageable.
However, the website displayed a message stating that the card was “not supported”.
Fraudulent transaction attempt follows
Four hours later, the victim discovered an unauthorised transaction on their bank account.
Source: SGRV FRONT MAN on Facebook
A screenshot shared by the victim revealed a declined transaction attempt of S$771.45 (RM 2,424) from a UOB ONE Debit Mastercard.
Additionally, a One-Time Password (OTP) notification confirmed an unauthorised transaction of RM 846.37 (S$270) via BigPay, prompting the victim to immediately report the fraudulent activity.
Source: SGRV FRONT MAN on Facebook
Similar SMS received minutes earlier
The post also included an SMS received at 11.24am on the same day, two minutes before the message from 15888.
This message was allegedly from PDRM Traffic, with text content similar to the other scam message.
Source: SGRV FRONT MAN on Facebook
Other Facebook users confirmed receiving similar scam messages from “PDRM”.
Source: MY SG Road Trip – Eat, Play, Stay Malaysia! on Facebook
Online comments have flooded with warnings about the scam, with some users mentioning that the Malaysian authorities never include links in their SMS messages.
Source: MY SG Road Trip – Eat, Play, Stay Malaysia! on Facebook
Some also shared how they, too, received toll offence messages despite not owning a car.
Also read: Driver reconsiders frequent trips to JB after losing his Prada bag & documents in car break-in
Driver reconsiders frequent trips to JB after losing his Prada bag & documents in car break-in
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Featured image adapted from SGRV FRONT MAN on Facebook.
