Scammers using fake traffic fines to target drivers

AS SOUTH Africans hit the roads for the festive season, scammers are exploiting fear and confusion around traffic fines, sending official-looking messages to intimidate drivers into paying money they do not owe.

- MASABATA MKWANANZI

With the rollout of the new AARTO system, criminals are posing as PayCity, Fines SA, and even traffic authorities, sending threatening SMSes and emails warning of "outstanding fines," imminent warrants of arrest, or blocked vehicle licence renewals. The messages are designed to pressure motorists into making immediate payments before they can verify the claims.

Rob Hutchinson, founder of DearSA, said scammers are capitalising on the holiday rush and the anxiety surrounding the new traffic laws.

"They know that with the increase in roadblocks this festive season, we are all anxious about being pulled over," he said.

While the scams are fake, the changes to South Africa's road rules are very real. Under the newly rolledout AARTO system, traffic offences are handled administratively rather than through criminal courts.