A local resident reported a sophisticated online scam after receiving a fraudulent notice demanding payment for a traffic violation.
The notice, which directed her to a seemingly official website to pay a fine, claimed she had used a cell phone while driving in Guadalajara in late December. The recipient grew suspicious for several reasons: she does not drive in the city, her license plate number was inconsistently listed within the document, and the cited fine of 130 pesos seemed implausibly low.
A friend verified the scam by inquiring at the state tax office in Chapala. Officials confirmed the notice was fake, noting that the actual fine for such an infraction is approximately 1,700 pesos.
Motorists at Lakeside receive tickets directly from either state or municipal police. Fines are paid only at official locations: the Jalisco Recaudadora at Calle Degollado 217 in Chapala (for state fines) or at the City Hall cashier windows (for municipal fines).