Police warn of fake e-crime site sending citizens notices of traffic fines

The Croatian police have issued a warning to citizens about a fraudulent website, eprekrsaji.co/hr, which mimics the official e-Prekršaji system used for traffic fines and other administrative penalties. The site sends fake notifications to users claiming they have incurred traffic violations and must pay a fine through the linked page. These messages attempt to collect personal information and banking card data, according to a statement released by the police headquarters. The alert was raised on August 10 via the e-Opažanja reporting system, the police confirmed. The fraudulent website replicates both the name and visual appearance of the legitimate e-Prekršaji system, as well as the e-Građani portal, designed to mislead citizens into believing they are accessing an authentic government service. According to the police, individuals receiving these notifications are being directed to a specific webpage to settle a supposed payment obligation. Authorities emphasized that citizens should avoid visiting the suspicious site, entering personal information, or providing credit card details through links included in dubious messages. Before submitting any personal or financial data, users are advised to verify the internet address of the website they are accessing. Official electronic services offered by the state administration should only be accessed through verified government websites and the e-Građani system. Those who have already entered their credit card details on the suspected site are urged to contact their banks immediately to take appropriate protective measures, the police stated. They added that more information about various forms of online scams and safety tips can be found on their official websites, the Web Heroj platform, and the YouTube channel of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The fraudulent activity has been identified as part of a broader trend of cybercrime targeting public services. Similar incidents have occurred in recent years, with criminals creating counterfeit versions of popular government portals to deceive users into revealing sensitive information. In previous cases, victims were redirected to phishing sites under the guise of official communications, often through email or SMS messages. The police have reiterated the importance of verifying the authenticity of any communication received regarding traffic fines or other administrative matters. Users are encouraged to check the legitimacy of the website directly through official channels rather than clicking on links embedded in unsolicited messages. This includes confirming the URL of the site and ensuring it matches the known domain names associated with government services. In response to the growing threat of such scams, the police have launched awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public on how to recognize and respond to potential fraud. These efforts include detailed guides on identifying suspicious websites, steps to secure personal data, and procedures for reporting suspected cybercrimes. Citizens are also reminded to remain vigilant and cautious when handling digital communications related to official business. The incident underscores the need for continuous vigilance against evolving methods of cyber deception. As technology advances, so too do the tactics employed by malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in digital systems. Authorities stress the importance of staying informed and taking proactive measures to protect personal and financial information from unauthorized access.