The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has warned Kenyans against fraudsters sending fake text messages demanding payment for alleged traffic offences.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NTSA said the messages are fake and are being used to trick motorists into sharing personal and banking details through suspicious links.
According to the authority, the fraudsters have been sending SMS messages claiming that recipients committed traffic offences and must pay fines through provided links.
“Reports have been received of fraudsters sending SMS messages to Kenyans to pay supposed fines for traffic offenses using a particular link,” NTSA warned.
NTSA explained that it does not charge fines for traffic violations via unsolicited SMS links or via other third party sites.
Several drivers have apparently been duped into believing the scam after receiving the SMS messages, which have been around since May.
NTSA revealed that the fraudulent texts have been sent using phone numbers such as 0141 583648 and +254 795 729 389, with the senders falsely posing as authorities of the regulatory body.
NTSA further cited various fraudulent sites used in the messages, saying that these sites do not belong to NTSA but have been used to trick Kenyans.
According to NTSA, some of the links take users to a phony payment portal, where they are asked for sensitive information, including their card details and CVV code.
NTSA warned that no genuine government platform asks for such banking information through text messages.
The authority clarified that its official SMS names are only “NTSA” and “22847_NTSA”. It also stated that its official website is ntsa.go.ke.
Kenyans have now been advised not to click on suspicious links, reply to the messages or make any payments through the fake platforms.
“Do not pay. Never make payments through the provided platform. If you have already done so, contact your bank immediately to block or reverse the transaction,” NTSA said.
The authority added that it is working with investigative agencies to trace and arrest those behind the scam.
