Malta’s Transport Malta & LESA Warn: Scams on the Rise

Imagine this: You’re scrolling through your messages, and suddenly, you spot one from ‘Transport Malta’. It’s an urgent warning about an unpaid traffic fine. But something feels off. The message is riddled with typos, and the link it provides looks dodgy. You’re right to be suspicious. This is just one example of the many scams targeting Maltese residents, and our transport authorities are fighting back.

In recent weeks, Transport Malta and the Lottery and Gaming Authority (LESA) have issued stark warnings about a surge in scam messages. These aren’t just minor inconveniences; they’re sophisticated attacks designed to trick unsuspecting victims into handing over personal details or money. From fake traffic fines to lottery win notifications, no one is immune.

Take, for instance, the case of Mr. Joe Borg, a 65-year-old retired teacher from Birkirkara. He received a message claiming he’d won €50,000 in the lottery. “I was skeptical,” he admits, “but the message looked official, and I almost fell for it.” Thankfully, he checked with LESA first and avoided a costly mistake.

So, how can you tell a scam message from a genuine one? Both Transport Malta and LESA offer clear advice:

• Check the sender: Official messages from these bodies will never come from a personal email or WhatsApp account. They use official channels only.
• Look for errors: Scammers often make mistakes in their messages. Typos, poor grammar, or strange phrasing can be red flags.
• Beware of links and attachments: Don’t click on unknown links or download attachments unless you’re 100% sure they’re safe.
• No personal details, no money: Official bodies will never ask for your personal details or money via message.

Remember, if something feels too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t let scammers take advantage of your excitement or fear.

If you’ve fallen for a scam, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do:

• Report the scam to the relevant authority: For Transport Malta, contact them on +356 2292 4100 or email info@transportmalta.org. For LESA, call +356 2546 0000 or email info@lesa.org.mt.
• Contact your bank immediately if you’ve shared financial details.
• Change your passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised.

Scams are a real threat, but with vigilance and quick action, we can protect ourselves and others. Let’s stay safe, Malta.