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A warning has been issued over scam text messages claiming recipients have unpaid traffic fines and directing them to fake payment pages.

The messages are designed to create a sense of urgency, encouraging recipients to click links and provide personal or banking information.

Authorities have urged residents not to open links from unknown or untrusted sources and never to share personal details, bank information or verification codes with suspicious parties.

Traffic fines should only be checked and paid through official channels.

Electronic fraud committed through websites, social media applications and other information and communication channels is among the offences handled by the Economic Crimes Directorate.

Under Article 391 of the Bahraini Penal Code, obtaining money or a document through fraudulent means can result in imprisonment and a fine of up to BD5,000. An attempted offence can carry up to one year in prison and a fine of up to BD2,000.

Authorities have also warned residents to be cautious of unexpected messages, calls and emails offering prizes, large profits or attractive deals, which may be attempts to obtain money or personal information.

Residents should not transfer money to suspicious websites or unknown parties, hand over identity documents, or disclose bank account, credit card or other sensitive financial details.

Anyone who has responded to a suspicious message or transferred money should keep all related messages, emails, documents and transaction records and report the incident immediately.

Reports can be made to the Economic Crimes Directorate in Adliya or through the 992 hotline, with authorities stressing that information is treated confidentially.

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