Fines in any form can trigger immediate heart palpitations and financial-related anxiety.

But when the message in your inbox demands payment plus a 100% ‘late penalty surcharge’ within 48 hours, among other severe consequences, anxiety levels can go through the roof.

This is the case with the latest scam directed at consumers who, according to the email in question, have an outstanding traffic fine.

The ‘final demand’ email is labelled as an ‘official NaTIS payment enforcement notice’, with failure to pay within 48 hours leading to severe consequences.

These include alleged vehicle registration suspension, eNatis blacklisting, and referral to the prosecuting authority.

While the correspondence appears legitimate, complete with eNatis letterhead, the originating email address – info@alquran.co.za – is the giveaway.

A simple Google search leads to several social media posts warning motorists not to fall victim to this phishing scam.

In a Facebook post by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) posted in July last year, “NaTIS will never demand payment via suspicious links. Real emails include your vehicle information and will direct you to: https://online.natis.gov.za”

A post on Arrive Alive’s website says, “NaTIS and local traffic authorities (like the City of Cape Town) do not send unsolicited emails demanding immediate payment for outstanding traffic fines.”
“Scammers use these emails to direct users to fake payment links designed to steal your banking details,” says the RTMC.

What to do
· Do not click any links in the email, and do not download any attachments
· Do not reply to the sender, even to ask for more information or to complain
· Delete the email immediately from your inbox
· Verify independently: To check if you have legitimate traffic fines or need to renew a vehicle licence, access the Natis Online Services

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