AARTO scam warning: Motorists urged not to click fake traffic fine links

The Road Traffic Infringement Authority (RTIA) has warned South African motorists about a surge in fraudulent AARTO websites and messages designed to steal money and personal information.

According to the authority, scammers are using cloned payment portals, SMS, WhatsApp and email messages that appear to relate to Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) fines.

Some messages threaten motorists with licence or vehicle disc blocks, while others offer fake discounts to encourage people to make immediate payments.

RTIA warns motorists about fake AARTO payment links

“The RTIA emphasises that it is the only entity which is legally authorised to administer and process fines under the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act. 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. These fake messages claim to be AARTO fines, often with threats of licence blocks, vehicle disc blocks, or additional penalties,” the RTIA said.

The authority said some scammers are sending messages containing links urging motorists to pay R250 to qualify for a supposed traffic fine discount.

“Always make payments only through verified and approved payment platforms. Don’t click on links to make payments. If you receive a message like this, delete it immediately, remain calm, and contact the RTIA directly for verification,” the RTIA said.

Warning signs of an AARTO scam

The RTIA highlighted several signs motorists should look out for.

Urgent threats are one of the biggest warnings. Scam messages may use subject lines such as “Final Notice: Action Required to Avoid Additional Penalties” or “Final Demand: Enforcement Notice”.

They may also claim that a driving licence card or vehicle licence disc will be blocked.

Fake discounts are another tactic. Motorists may receive messages claiming they owe money but qualify for a 50% discount or “penalty fee waiver” if payment is made within 24 hours.

According to the RTIA, many fraudulent messages are sent after working hours or over weekends to create panic.

Scammers also target periods when people are more likely to have money available, including the 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th or 31st of the month.

Beware of cloned AARTO websites

Motorists should also check websites carefully before entering any personal or payment information.

“Please 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.”

Typos and incorrect names are another warning sign. The RTIA highlighted the example of messages signed by “NATS Online Vehicle License Disc Renewal”, which incorrectly refers to eNATIS.

What motorists should do

Motorists should not click links contained in SMS, WhatsApp or email messages about AARTO fines.

They should also avoid sharing ID numbers, licence information or banking details through suspicious websites or messages.

Instead, motorists should delete suspicious messages and verify their AARTO status through official channels.

Suspected scam numbers and links should also be reported to the relevant network provider and the RTIA.

What is the official AARTO website?

The RTIA stressed that there is only one official website for motorists to access AARTO services: https://online.aarto.gov.za

“The only official AARTO website is https://online.aarto.gov.za. Do not make payments or provide personal details on any other website claiming to be AARTO. All other links, .com, .co.za, and .online domains claiming to be AARTO are fraudulent.

“The RTIA remains committed to providing a secure environment for motorists to manage their traffic infringements and urges everyone to remain vigilant against these digital scams.

“To ensure your information remains secure, the public is reminded that there is only one legitimate website for AARTO services. Motorists can verify the status of their fines or infringement notices by visiting the official RTIA platform at https://online.aarto.gov.za,” the RTIA said.

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