Motorists in Philippine capital targeted by imposter website

Published on June 3, 2025 at 04:32
3 min read
By Jan Cuyco, AFP Philippines

As Manila resumed its policy of using cameras to identify traffic violations on major thoroughfares, an imposter website was shared in posts falsely claiming drivers could use it to check if they had committed any offences. The Philippine capital's traffic management agency is yet to launch such an online database and urged motorists to avoid entering their vehicle registration details on the bogus site.

"Check your plate or licence if you have a violation, just click the link," reads a Tagalog-language Facebook post shared on May 26, 2025.

The link takes users to a website that will bring up any traffic violations associated with their driving licence or vehicle registration.

A screenshot of the website is attached to the post.

It bears the logo of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) -- the government agency managing traffic in the Philippine capital -- and includes the text "No Contact Apprehension Program".

Screenshot of the false Facebook post, captured on May 28, 2025

The post circulated on the same day the MMDA resumed its "no contact apprehension policy" along major thoroughfares in the capital after the Supreme Court halted it in 2022 (archived here and here).

Under the policy, drivers caught committing a traffic violation on camera will be sent proof of the infringement through the mail and be required to pay a fine (archived link). They may also file an appeal online or at the MMDA office.

Similar posts were shared elsewhere on Facebook, with some users including screenshots claiming the website showed they had "no violations recorded".

The link included in the circulating posts, however, does not direct users to a genuine MMDA website.

The URL of the imposter website has been formulated to make it appear as if it were a genuine MMDA page (archived link).

Screenshot comparison of the false post (left) and the official MMDA website (right), with differences in the URLs highlighted by AFP

The imposter website also erroneously refers to the MMDA scheme as a "program" rather than a "policy" (archived link).

Screenshot comparison of the false post (left) and an X post by MMDA about the no contact apprehension policy (right)

The MMDA denied any affiliation with the circulating link in a May 26 post on its verified X account (archived link).

"Avoid posting and sharing this link to avoid causing confusion. Avoid using the website and do not type your license plate here," the statement read.

The agency added that the official website regarding the NCAP is "currently being prepared" and advised motorists to directly reach out to check their record.

A representative from the MMDA separately told AFP that official announcements are made on their verified X account (archived link).

Is there content that you would like AFP to fact-check? Get in touch.

E-mail