The Florida Driver’s Licensing and Testing Centre (DLTC) has issued a warning about a syndicate of “touters” who have been operating outside the office for years, allegedly scamming people out of money.

The DLTC held an open day on Tuesday, September 23, to educate the public about its functions and processes, and to raise awareness about the touters, who often approach visitors with promises of expedited services.

The touters typically stop people outside the DLTC, claiming they can help them avoid long queues. They demand cash up front and either disappear after receiving payment or attempt to extract additional money by falsely claiming the person has outstanding fines. Their promised services are never rendered.

• Also read: Another motorist scammed at the Florida DLTC

DLTC manager Nomakhosi Manana said the open day was an opportunity to caution the public because many people continue to fall victim to these schemes.

“I want to urge people not to give these touters the time of day,” she said, noting that most of them lure people in by taking photographs required for driver’s license applications.

• Also read: Public warned not to accept help of anyone outside Florida DLTC

“Rather come here with the required photographs so that you don’t have to deal with them,” Manana added.
She said in the near future, photographs will no longer be needed in person, as the application process will be fully digital.

Ward 70 councillor Caleb Finn, who has worked with Manana for years to establish a safety forum including the DLTC, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), and the police, expressed frustration at the lack of progress.

“These touters have been operating here for years. They do so openly without any fear of the police or JMPD,” he said.

“Our efforts to establish this forum have fallen flat because we do not get real support from either law enforcement agency. When representatives do attend meetings, they are usually junior officers without decision-making authority.”

Manana reiterated that the DLTC operates in a cashless environment and never requests payment in cash.

“The moment someone demands a cash payment, you should be aware that you are more than likely being scammed,” she said.

The Roodepoort Record approached both the police and JMPD for comment; responses will be included in a follow-up article.