RTIA warns motorists of fake AARTO websites and scam messages

The Road Traffic Infringement Authority (RTIA) is urging South African motorists to remain vigilant following a surge in scams targeting people through fake Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) websites and payment platforms.

The authority said scammers are using cloned websites, SMSes, WhatsApp messages and emails to trick motorists into paying fake traffic fines and handing over sensitive personal and banking information.

The RTIA said it is the only entity legally authorised to administer and process fines under the AARTO Act.

Motorists have been urged to make payments only through verified and approved AARTO payment platforms.

The authority said motorists should use the 16-digit Infringement Notice number as a reference when making payments on official platforms.

Scammers are reportedly sending messages containing links urging recipients to pay amounts such as R250 to qualify for supposed discounts on traffic fines.

Some messages threaten motorists with the blocking of their driving licences or vehicle licence discs, or impose additional penalties if payments are not made within a specified period.

The RTIA warned motorists to be particularly cautious of messages creating a sense of urgency, including claims that a 50% discount or penalty waiver will expire within 24 hours.

The scams are also reportedly sent after hours and over weekends, as well as around dates when people are more likely to have money in their bank accounts, including the 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th and 31st of the month.

Motorists have also been warned about cloned websites that appear to be official AARTO platforms but are designed to steal personal or payment information.

Typos and incorrect names can also expose fraudulent websites. The RTIA cited examples such as references to “NATS Online Vehicle License Disc Renewal”, which incorrectly spells eNATIS.

The authority has advised motorists not to click on links contained in SMSes, WhatsApp messages or emails relating to AARTO fines.

Motorists should also avoid making payments on websites other than official AARTO payment platforms and should never share their ID numbers, licence details or banking information through suspicious links.

Anyone who receives a suspicious message should delete it, verify their AARTO status through official channels and report the scam number or link to their network provider and the RTIA.

The RTIA said the only official AARTO website is online.aarto.gov.za and warned that other websites claiming to be AARTO, including those using .com, .co.za and .online domains, are fraudulent.

Motorists can use the official AARTO platform to verify the status of their fines or infringement notices and access legitimate AARTO services.