Got an SMS about an AARTO fine? Only one website is real
The RTIA and SABRIC warn that scammers are sending fake AARTO fine messages offering a discount for a R250 payment. The only official AARTO website is online.aarto.gov.za. Here's how to spot the scam and check a real fine.
If you get an SMS, WhatsApp or email saying you owe an AARTO traffic fine and offering a discount if you pay through a link, don't click it. The Road Traffic Infringement Authority (RTIA), which runs AARTO, says the only official AARTO website is online.aarto.gov.za and every other .com, .co.za or .online site claiming to be AARTO is fake (RTIA).
The RTIA and the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) issued a joint warning about a sharp rise in cloned AARTO payment sites and fake fine notices used to steal money and personal details (RTIA, SAnews).
How does the AARTO fine scam work?
Scammers send messages with links asking you to pay R250 to qualify for a supposed discount on a traffic fine (SAnews). The messages often threaten that your driving licence card or licence disc will be blocked, or that extra penalties will be added, if you don't pay quickly (RTIA).
The link leads to a cloned site that looks like the real AARTO portal. Anything you type there, including card details, your ID number or licence details, goes to the criminals.
What are the warning signs?
The RTIA lists these red flags (RTIA):
- Subject lines such as "Final Notice: Action Required to Avoid Additional Penalties" or "Final Demand: Enforcement Notice".
- An offer of a 50% discount or a "penalty fee waiver" if you pay within 24 hours.
- Messages sent after hours or over weekends, when it is harder to check.
- Timing around paydays, such as the 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th or 31st of the month.
- Spelling mistakes and wrong names, for example a message signed "NATS Online Vehicle License Disc Renewal" instead of eNaTIS.
How do I check if I really have an AARTO fine?
Go to online.aarto.gov.za yourself by typing the address, not through a link in a message, or call the RTIA national call centre on 0861 227 861 (RTIA).
Real AARTO infringement notices come as a password-protected PDF, which you unlock with your South African ID number, business registration or tax number, or passport number (RTIA).
How do I pay a real fine safely?
Pay only on verified, approved payment platforms and use the 16-digit infringement notice number as your reference. You don't need an RTIA bank account number to pay that way (SAnews).
What should I do if I get a fake message?
- Don't click the link, and don't share your ID number, licence details or banking details.
- Delete the message.
- Report the number or link to your cellphone network and to the RTIA (RTIA).
If you already paid or entered card details on a fake site, call your bank's fraud line straight away so it can try to stop the payment and block your card.
FAQ
What is the official AARTO website?
The only official AARTO website is online.aarto.gov.za. The RTIA says any other .com, .co.za or .online site claiming to be AARTO is fraudulent.
Is the R250 AARTO fine discount SMS real?
No. The RTIA says scammers are sending messages with links asking people to pay R250 for a supposed traffic fine discount. Delete the message and don't click the link.
How can I check if I have an AARTO traffic fine?
Type online.aarto.gov.za into your browser yourself, or call the RTIA national call centre on 0861 227 861. Don't use links in SMS, WhatsApp or email messages.
What reference do I use to pay an AARTO fine?
Use the 16-digit infringement notice number as your reference on an approved payment platform. You don't need an RTIA bank account number.
How do real AARTO infringement notices arrive?
The RTIA says real notices come as a password-protected PDF that you unlock with your South African ID number, business registration or tax number, or passport number.