New Traffic Fine Scam Targets South African Drivers Through Fake PayCity Messages
South African drivers are being warned about a surge in phishing scams targeting PayCity users. Criminals send fraudulent traffic fine notifications while impersonating the popular online payment platform.
How the Traffic Fine Scam Works
PayCity, which allows users to pay traffic fines, buy prepaid utilities, and settle municipal accounts online, emphasised the importance of remaining vigilant. “We have become aware of multiple phishing scams where fraudsters send fake traffic fine notifications pretending to be PayCity,” the company stated in a notice to users.
The scam messages may include fraudulent payment links originating from domains not associated with PayCity. While the company does provide official payment links via email, SMS, and WhatsApp, these links will always come from the paycity.co.za domain. Any communication or payment request from a different domain should be treated as unsafe.
PayCity advised that users who are uncertain about the legitimacy of an email can forward it to [email protected] for verification.
RTMC Confirms: Natis Will Not Email Fine Payments
Similarly, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) reminded drivers in July that the National Traffic Information System (NATIS) will never request fine payments via email. Official Natis communications always include the driver’s vehicle details. They direct recipients to the Natis online platform.
The warning follows reports of scams in which drivers received emails. These emails claim an outstanding fine of R210, allegedly increased to R420 due to late payment, with a promise of an interest refund for quick payment.
Concerns Over High Traffic Fine Targets
Adding to concerns around traffic fines, the Democratic Alliance (DA) recently accused the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) of imposing a daily traffic fine collection target of R7,000 per officer. According to DA spokesperson Michael Sun, officers reportedly face pressure to meet these quotas. They receive overtime incentives for achieving the target.
“This system turns law enforcement into a revenue-generation mechanism rather than focusing on public safety,” Sun said. He argues that officers may be prioritising issuing fines over managing traffic or preventing crime. He also noted that the daily fine targets coincide with a sharp increase in roadblocks.
The JMPD, however, rejected these claims, insisting that roadblocks are aimed solely at ensuring road safety, not revenue collection.
Related article: JMPD Cracks Down on Unroadworthy Vehicles: What Motorists Need to Know
