News24 | Traffic fine scam targets Cape Town motorists via email

Capetonians have been warned of a scam involving fake traffic fine notices.

Capetonians have been warned of a scam involving fake traffic fine notices.

It starts with an email alert to an outstanding traffic fine, which warns that the amount will increase unless it is settled immediately.

City of Cape Town Traffic Services spokesperson Kevin Jacobs said the department had “received several enquiries from the public about fine payment demands received via email”.

“The mails, purporting to be from the National Administration Traffic Information System (NaTIS), demand payment for outstanding fines and threaten that fine amounts will be increased unless immediate payment is made,” he said.

“We have verified with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) that this is a scam, and we appeal to the public not to click on any links or make any payments before checking the legitimacy of an infringement notice.”

Anyone who believes that they have been scammed is encouraged to lay fraud charges with the police, Jacobs added.

He said traffic fines could be viewed on www.cityofctviewfines.co.za and paid via www.paythat.co.za.

“Infringement notices are sent via post and MMS, with follow-up SMS reminders. They will include a picture of the fine notice and links to the two online platforms mentioned above,” Jacobs said.

“We encourage motorists to double-check the fine details to check that they were in fact driving in the area in question on the day. If you have reason to suspect the legitimacy of a fine notice, visit your nearest Driving Licence Testing Centre or one of our other fine payment points to check.”