Speed camera scam targeting Ontarians, police warn

Scammers are trying to take advantage of the increase in speed cameras in Ontario, police said in a warning issued Tuesday.

Ontario Provincial Police said that officers from their Dufferin detachment were contacted this month by individuals who received a text that appeared to be from the Ontario government.

According to a screenshot shared by police, the text read, “Your vehicle was detected exceeding the speed limit by our speed monitoring camera.”

It then provides a link to pay the “ticket.”

The sender also appears to have used an email address to make it appear as if they are from the Ontario government.

Handout / Ontario Provincial Police

“Fraudsters are attempting to cash in on a common driving infraction,” OPP said.

If someone is caught by a speed camera, they will not receive a text message, the OPP said.

The ticket is mailed to the address of the vehicle owner.

“As members of the public become more informed and educated about fraud, fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated,” OPP said.

“Police are strongly recommending that people slow the process down and verify all information that they receive before proceeding.”