MMDA probes NCAP scams

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is investigating scams related to the MMDA’s no-contact apprehension policy or NCAP after receiving over 180 complaints last week.

MMDA Chairman Don Artes said scammers are asking motorists to pay a fine of P1,000 for alleged NCAP violations by redirecting them to a fake website.

Artes said the 180 complaints are only a fraction of the number of scam victims.

“We’re returning the payments made to the MMDA. For those who sent their payments through the fake website, their money was probably received by the scammers,” Artes said. “For sure, the scammers already have millions from this scam.”

The MMDA said it immediately coordinated with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to block the websites and preserve the evidence.

Artes said the scammers quickly reinvent sites for their operations, prompting the MMDA to seek assistance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe the scale of the scams.

“When you click the sites, it would have you input your data such as name, phone number and license plate number. If you pay, more likely your e-wallet information may also be accessed,” Artes said, citing phishing attempts linked to the text scams.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the bureau would look into the cases and coordinate with other relevant agencies, stressing that the scams diminish the purpose of the NCAP for commuters and motorists.

The MMDA reminded the public that there are no fines imposed for late processing of NCAP violations.

“They should not click any links that may redirect to any website. We do not attach links to our NCAP text notifications. Those are red flags. If you receive something like this, just go to our official site and validate if you have a violation,” Artes said.