The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has warned motorists against fraudsters issuing fake traffic offence notices and payment receipts in an attempt to collect money from unsuspecting drivers.
In an advisory issued on Friday, October 30, the authority said some people were circulating documents bearing its name and logo, with handwritten details of alleged traffic violations and fines.
NTSA urged motorists to be careful when presented with such notices and to verify their authenticity before making any payments.
“Watch out for fake traffic offence notices and payment receipts,” the authority cautioned.
The warning comes after motorists raised concerns over suspicious notices claiming they had committed traffic offences and directing them to make immediate payments.
This also comes amid heightened inspections along key roads by NTSA and police officers after an increase in road crashes.
The operation focuses on drunk motorists, motorists operating vehicles that have expired inspection stickers, motorists operating vehicles without valid insurance cover, and motorists whose licenses have expired.
NTSA announced on Thursday, October 29 that the officers have increased nighttime inspections, pointing out that evenings and late nights are still among the riskiest hours for road users.
The enforcement exercise is being conducted under the Msimu Bila Ajali Usalama Barabarani campaign, which brings together NTSA and police officers for day and night operations.
Although some motorists have linked the increased checks to the circulation of fake notices, NTSA has not established any direct connection between the enforcement exercise and the fraud.
Under the Traffic Act, police and authorised officers can issue formal traffic offence notifications to motorists. However, drivers should establish that any document presented to them is genuine before acting on it.
The latest warning is not the first time NTSA has raised concerns about scams targeting motorists.
Last month, the authority cautioned Kenyans about fake driving licence charges being advertised on social media. The fraudsters reportedly targeted people seeking licences by claiming they could speed up the application process in exchange for payments through middlemen.
Motorists have therefore been urged to remain cautious when dealing with anyone claiming to collect traffic fines or offer NTSA services.