Fake AARTO fines scam targets motorists with R250 payment demands - IOL
South African motorists are being warned about a new scam targeting AARTO fines, with fraudsters using fake websites, SMSes, WhatsApp messages and emails to steal money and personal information.
IOL previously reported that the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act officially came into force in 62 municipalities following President Cyril Ramaphosa's proclamation, marking the second phase of the national rollout.
The Act is expected to be extended to a further 151 municipalities later this year, while the demerit point system will only be introduced in 2027.
The Road Traffic Infringement Authority (RTIA) said there has been a sharp increase in sophisticated scams involving websites that pose as the official Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) platform.
The latest scam allegedly tricks motorists into paying R250 on the same day by promising that the payment will qualify them for a discount.
"Motorists are strongly advised to make payments only through verified and approved payment platforms. Motorists must always make use of the 16-digit Infringement Notice number as a reference, which does not need the RTIA bank account to make payments on the official payment platforms"
The messages may claim that a driving licence card or vehicle licence disc will be blocked unless payment is made.
The RTIA also warned about fake discounts, with scammers offering a 50% discount or a “penalty fee waiver” if motorists pay within 24 hours.
According to the authority, some messages are sent after working hours and over weekends to create panic.
This new scam persuades road users to pay the R250 to qualify for a discount.
As such, road users are urged not to click any link and to delete the email immediately. Instead, stay calm and contact the RTIA immediately.
Look out for subject lines such as “Final Notice: Action Required to Avoid Additional Penalties” or “Final Demand: Enforcement Notice” or other notices that claim your driving licence card or vehicle licence disc will be blocked.
Messages will also falsely state that you owe money and offer a 50% discount or “penalty fee waiver” if you pay within 24 hours.
Many are sent after working hours and on weekends to create panic. They target times of the month when clients are likely to have money in their bank accounts, such as the 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th or 31st.
Be cautious of fraudulent websites pretending to be the official AARTO website.
These fake sites may be used to scam the public and steal personal or payment information. There will also be typos and incorrect names, e.g. signed by “NATS Online | Vehicle License Disc Renewal”.
