Traffic authority warns motorists of fake Aarto fine payment websites
Scammers are using cloned portals, SMSes and WhatsApp messages to target South African drivers with fake traffic fine discounts.
The Road Traffic Infringement Authority (RTIA) has urged South African motorists to remain vigilant following a surge in fraudulent Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) websites.
According to Germiston City News, scammers are using cloned payment portals, SMSes, WhatsApp messages and emails to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting motorists.
The RTIA emphasised that it is the only entity legally authorised to administer and process fines under the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act 46 of 1998. Motorists must make payments only through verified platforms using their 16-digit infringement notice number as a reference.
Fake messages claim to be Aarto fines and often carry threats of licence blocks, vehicle disc blocks or additional penalties. Scammers send links urging recipients to pay R250 to qualify for a supposed discount on a fine.
The authority advised motorists never to click on links in SMSes, WhatsApp messages or emails. Suspicious messages should be deleted immediately.
Tactics used by fraudsters
Scammers create urgency with subject lines such as ‘Final Notice: Action Required to Avoid Additional Penalties’ or ‘Final Demand: Enforcement Notice’. Messages falsely offer a 50% discount or penalty waiver if paid within 24 hours.
To create panic, many fake messages are sent after working hours or over weekends. Scammers also target dates when motorists are likely to have funds, including the 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th and 31st of the month.
Motorists should watch out for spelling errors, such as “NATS Online Vehicle License Disc Renewal”, which misspells eNATIS.
How to safeguard your details
Motorists must ignore suspicious messages, verify their Aarto status through official channels, and report scam numbers or links to their network provider and the RTIA.
The RTIA stated that the only official Aarto website is https://online.aarto.gov.za. All other links, including .com, .co.za and .online domains claiming to be Aarto, are fraudulent.
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