The Road Traffic Infringement Authority (RTIA) in South Africa has issued a warning to motorists about a new scam targeting AARTO fines. The scam involves fraudsters using fake websites, SMSes, WhatsApp messages, and emails to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting motorists. The scammers are using sophisticated tactics to trick motorists into paying R250, claiming that the payment will qualify them for a discount.
The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act officially came into force in 62 municipalities in South Africa, marking the second phase of the national rollout. The Act is expected to be extended to a further 151 municipalities later this year. The demerit point system will only be introduced in 2027. Motorists are advised to be cautious of fake websites, SMSes, and emails that claim to be from the RTIA.
The RTIA has reported a sharp increase in sophisticated scams involving websites that pose as the official AARTO platform. The scammers are using fake websites, SMSes, and emails to demand R250 payments and steal personal information from motorists. The messages may claim that a driving licence card or vehicle licence disc will be blocked unless payment is made.
The scam typically involves a message that claims a motorist owes money and offers a 50% discount or a “penalty fee waiver” if payment is made within 24 hours. The messages are often sent after working hours and on weekends to create panic. Motorists are urged not to click on any links and to delete the email immediately. Instead, they should contact the RTIA directly.
The RTIA has advised motorists to make payments only through verified and approved payment platforms. Motorists must always use the 16-digit Infringement Notice number as a reference, which does not require the RTIA bank account to make payments on the official payment platforms. This will help prevent scammers from stealing personal and payment information.
The scammers are targeting times of the month when clients are likely to have money in their bank accounts, such as the 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, or 31st. Motorists should be cautious of fraudulent websites pretending to be the official AARTO website, which may be used to scam the public and steal personal or payment information.
To avoid falling victim to the scam, motorists should be aware of the warning signs, including subject lines such as “Final Notice: Action Required to Avoid Additional Penalties” or “Final Demand: Enforcement Notice”. They should also be cautious of typos and incorrect names, such as messages signed by “NATS Online | Vehicle License Disc Renewal”.
Key points
- Motorists are advised to make payments only through verified and approved payment platforms.
