The South African Police Service is warning members of the public to remain vigilant following reports of fraudulent emails, SMS messages and phone calls in which scammers falsely claim to represent the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS), municipal traffic services or other traffic authorities.
In these scams, recipients are informed that they have outstanding traffic fines and are pressured to make immediate payment to avoid additional penalties, legal action or increased fees. These messages often contain links to fraudulent websites or payment portals designed to steal personal and financial information.
Members of the public are urged to exercise caution and not to respond to unsolicited messages demanding immediate payment.
Some of the warning signs of these scams include:
* Unsolicited emails or messages requesting payment of traffic fines;
* Threats of immediate legal action or increased penalties if payment is not made without delay;
* Requests to click on unfamiliar links or provide banking or personal information; and
* Notices that do not contain accurate personal details, vehicle registration information or legitimate infringement reference numbers.
The public is reminded that legitimate traffic infringement notices are issued through official channels and that payments should only be made using recognised government or authorised payment platforms after verifying the authenticity of the fine.
Anyone who receives a suspicious message or suspects they have been targeted by fraud is advised not to make any payment, not to click on embedded links, and to report the matter to the South African Police Service. Where financial information may have been compromised, affected persons should immediately notify their banking institution.
SAPS encourages all road users to remain alert and to share this warning with family and friends to prevent more people from becoming victims of these scams.
In these scams, recipients are informed that they have outstanding traffic fines and are pressured to make immediate payment to avoid additional penalties, legal action or increased fees. These messages often contain links to fraudulent websites or payment portals designed to steal personal and financial information.
Members of the public are urged to exercise caution and not to respond to unsolicited messages demanding immediate payment.
Some of the warning signs of these scams include:
* Unsolicited emails or messages requesting payment of traffic fines;
* Threats of immediate legal action or increased penalties if payment is not made without delay;
* Requests to click on unfamiliar links or provide banking or personal information; and
* Notices that do not contain accurate personal details, vehicle registration information or legitimate infringement reference numbers.
The public is reminded that legitimate traffic infringement notices are issued through official channels and that payments should only be made using recognised government or authorised payment platforms after verifying the authenticity of the fine.
Anyone who receives a suspicious message or suspects they have been targeted by fraud is advised not to make any payment, not to click on embedded links, and to report the matter to the South African Police Service. Where financial information may have been compromised, affected persons should immediately notify their banking institution.
SAPS encourages all road users to remain alert and to share this warning with family and friends to prevent more people from becoming victims of these scams.