The National Transport and Safety Authority has warned Kenyan motorists against a scam using fake SMS messages demanding instant payments for alleged traffic violations. The alert coincides with new government initiatives to boost road safety during the festive season. Drivers are advised not to click links or respond to such messages.
This week, the National Transport and Safety Authority issued a public alert regarding multiple reports of fraud where scammers send SMS messages urging recipients to pay alleged traffic violation fines via a specific link within a short deadline. "We have received reports of fraudsters sending SMS messages to members of the public, urging them to pay alleged traffic violation fines through a specified link by a deadline. Please be informed that the website mentioned in these messages is not affiliated with or operated by NTSA," the authority stated.
The fraudulent messages resemble the official NTSA portal, and upon accessing the link, drivers encounter threats of an unpaid instant fine and potential court summons. A major red flag is the fake site's requirement for the vehicle's registration number, information that NTSA already possesses when pursuing motorists. To lend credibility, the scammers impose tight deadlines to create a sense of urgency typical of genuine instant fines.
On social media, several drivers have reported receiving these SMS without any traffic infractions, heightening suspicions. NTSA has urged motorists not to click attached links or reply to the messages, as this could expose them to further scams. They are also warned against making payments through unsolicited SMS links.
For those who have already paid, NTSA advises victims to contact their banks immediately to block or reverse the transactions. This scam appears to exploit recent government announcements by Chief Justice Martha Koome to address rising road accidents during the festive season. As part of the National Council on the Administration of Justice's plan with other state agencies, there will be increased compliance checks on major roads, and Koome has announced mobile courts along key routes to handle traffic offenses.