Inside the fake AARTO fine scam
A possible eNatis hack sees scammers sending fake fines with motorists’ correct number plates and registration details.
The Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) is investigating a potential hack of the eNatis system, as scammers are distributing propaganda scams under the 'Fines SA' branding and using motorists' correct number plates. RTIA has noted a "sharp increase in sophisticated scams," with criminals using cloned payment portals, SMS, WhatsApp, and email to steal money and personal information.
Fines SA maintains its system has not been breached, and the cyber thieves are impersonating it. The RTIA is consulting legal services about a possible investigation into how scammers might have accessed a vehicle database. The agency aims to gather information and involve other stakeholders, with an announcement expected in the coming days.
Scammers appear to have access to some accurate data, including infringement notice numbers that do not follow the format of genuine notices. Screenshots provided by the RTIA show scam messages using Fines SA branding and containing motorists' actual vehicle registration numbers, purported infringement details, demerit points, and discounts.
The discounts are often timed to coincide with paydays, threatening to block driving licence cards or vehicle licence discs. Fines SA CEO Barry Berman says motorists are "really on edge," making them more susceptible to such scams.
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