Discovery Bank has warned South Africans about a surge in scams involving fake traffic fine notices to steal banking details and money from unsuspecting motorists.
In a notice to customers, the bank said criminals are sending fraudulent SMSes, WhatsApp messages and emails claiming recipients have outstanding traffic fines, demerit points or urgent AARTO notices that require immediate payment.
The bank warned that victims who click on the links included in these messages are redirected to fake websites designed to capture sensitive banking and card information.
“If you click on the link provided, you’re taken to a fake website designed to scam you. AARTO doesn’t ask for payment through WhatsApp messages or unexpected links. True AARTO and PayCity messages won’t pressure you to act urgently,” it said.
Discovery Bank added that criminals are also attempting to gain access to bank accounts by convincing customers to approve fraudulent digital wallet requests or 3D Secure authentication prompts.
“Criminals can get access to your account by persuading you to add your card to a digital wallet or to approve a 3D Secure prompt,” the bank warned.
The bank advised customers to verify any traffic fines only through official channels. It urged motorists to type the official AARTO website address directly into their browser.
“Use only recognised platforms such as the official PayCity website or app, and confirm fines through official contact details before making any payments,” it said.
“Don’t click on links in unexpected SMSs, WhatsApp messages, or emails. Never enter your card details through links you didn’t request.”
Discovery Bank added that clients should only approve wallet or 3D Secure prompts for genuine transactions you personally initiated.
This warning suggests that banks are seeing a notable increase in fraud cases involving fake AARTO notices, adding to growing concerns around digital fraud in South Africa.
South African banks are getting hit hard
Discovery’s alert comes only a month after the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) warned South Africans about a spike in fraudulent traffic fine notices being circulated to motorists.
In April 2026, the RTIA urged the public to ignore suspicious notices, avoid sharing personal information and refrain from making payments linked to the scams.
“The RTIA warns the public about numerous fraudulent AARTO fine payments currently circulating. Do not share your personal information with them or pay those fines. They are scammers,” the agency said.
The RTIA shared an example of a fraudulent email titled “Final Demand: Enforcement Notice”, in which scammers threaten motorists with a blocked driving licence card or vehicle licence disc renewals unless immediate payment is made.
The fake notices typically contain fabricated reference numbers and demand payment of an alleged outstanding balance.
The agency stressed that electronic servicing of AARTO documents has not yet been implemented in South Africa.
“If you receive any email or SMS demanding payment for traffic fines, they are illegal! Always verify your outstanding fines directly with the RTIA,” it said.
Currently, the AARTO system has been piloted only in Johannesburg and Pretoria, where less serious traffic violations are classified as infringements and handled administratively rather than under the Criminal Procedure Act.
The wider rollout of AARTO to 69 additional municipalities is currently scheduled for 1 July 2026, with another 144 municipalities expected to follow in December 2026.
These warnings also come amid mounting concern over fraud levels in South Africa and its banking sector.
A recent survey of fraud management, anti-money laundering, and compliance leaders at South African banks found that 75% reported an increase in fraud attempts at their institutions, while 79% reported rising fraud losses.
The survey also found that 81% estimated their institution’s annual fraud losses exceeded $5 million, or roughly R82.3 million. Among C-suite executives, the figures were even higher.
“More South African banking leaders reported rising fraud attempts, rising fraud losses, and annual fraud losses exceeding $5 million than their counterparts at financial institutions elsewhere in the world,” said Thomas Peacock.
