The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has warned motorists about a scam involving fraudulent SMS messages claiming recipients owe traffic violation fines.
The messages are designed to trick people into paying through fake websites that look like official NTSA platforms.
In a statement seen by Business Today, NTSA said it had received multiple reports of fraudsters sending messages demanding payment of alleged traffic fines via a link within a short deadline. The messages often threaten additional penalties for late payments to create urgency.
“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,” the NTSA statement reads.
NTSA clarified that the website mentioned in these messages, https://ntsca.cc, is not affiliated with the authority.
The scammers designed the site to closely resemble the official NTSA portal, making it difficult for motorists to tell the difference.
The scam asks users to enter vehicle registration details and payment information, putting victims at risk of financial loss and data theft. Fraudsters often target periods when police are more active in enforcing traffic laws, knowing motorists may expect fines during such times.
NTSA advised the public not to click on suspicious links, not to respond to such messages, and never to make payments through the platforms mentioned in the fraudulent SMS. Those who have already made payments should contact their banks immediately to block or reverse the transactions.
Official traffic fine messages are sent from short names NTSA or 22847_NTSA. The only legitimate website for checking and paying fines is http://ntsa.go.ke, and payments should only be made through authorised platforms like the NTSA portal on eCitizen.
The authority is working with investigative agencies to identify and stop the perpetrators. NTSA emphasised that public vigilance is critical in preventing these scams.
Motorists are encouraged to verify traffic notifications through official channels and report suspicious messages.
The alert comes amid road safety campaigns during the festive season, when traffic volumes increase, and enforcement activities intensify.
NTSA urged the public to share the warning widely to protect more people from falling victim to the scam.
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