PROJECT: FAKE WHATSAPP TRAFFIC PAYMENT SCAM

isabels39
Aug 6
4 min read

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Scammers exploiting South Africa’s WhatsApp traffic fine payment system have developed increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive unsuspecting motorists. By mimicking official government communication channels, fraudsters send convincing messages that appear to come from legitimate sources such as municipal traffic departments or law enforcement.

These scams often involve fake fine notifications, phishing links, and fraudulent banking details, all aimed at tricking recipients into paying non-existent fines or disclosing sensitive personal and financial information.

As more South Africans turn to digital platforms for convenience, this trend underscores the urgent need for public awareness, digital vigilance, and stronger cybersecurity measures to protect against financial and identity theft.

Real examples of these scams highlight how sophisticated and convincing they can be:

FAKE WHATSAPP MESSAGES FROM UNKNOWN NUMBERS:
- Scammers send unsolicited WhatsApp messages claiming you have outstanding traffic fines.
- These messages do not come from the official number (060 667 7177) and often use generic greetings like "Dear User" or just your name initial with poor spelling and grammar, which are red flags.
THREATS AND PRESSURE TO PAY QUICKLY:
- Some fake messages state a small fine (e.g. R210) that has supposedly doubled owing to late payment (e.g.R420).
- They threaten additional penalties like arrest or further increases if payment is not made immediately.
- This creates panic to pressure victims into quick payments without verifying the fine’s legitimacy.
PHISHING LINKS REDIRECTING TO FAKE WEBSITES:
- Scammers include links in WhatsApp messages directing victims to unofficial, malicious websites that look like official traffic portals.
- These sites are used to capture sensitive banking details or to trick users into making payments that end up in fraudsters’ hands.
USE OF REALISTIC DETAILS AND IMAGES:
- Some scams use real car photos or license plate images that look like those from traffic cameras to convince victims that the fine is genuine.
- This level of detail makes it more difficult to detect the scam.
REQUESTS FOR PERSONAL AND FINANCIAL DATA OUTSIDE OF OFFICIAL CHANNELS:
- Scammers try to extract identity numbers, credit card details, or online banking logins by asking victims to provide these details through WhatsApp messages or fake forms, which legitimate authorities would never do outside the secure chatbot system.
IMPERSONATION AND NUMBER SPOOFING:
- Fraudsters may impersonate officials or use cloned WhatsApp accounts resembling municipal or traffic department numbers to appear credible and gain trust.
REPORTED FINANCIAL FRAUD:
- Victims have reported that after falling for these scams, scammers accessed their bank accounts to make unauthorised deductions or withdrawals.

These scams are textbook examples of phishing and social engineering:

they exploit fear, urgency, and realistic touches (such as traffic photos) to manipulate targets.

Authorities advise confirming traffic fines only via the official WhatsApp number 060 667 7177

or verified government websites, then report suspicious WhatsApp messages.

LINKS TO OTHER WARNINGS:

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.

How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

- https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarjftF8PgsI4pODE929

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za

Fax: 086 585 4924

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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.

STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.

POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv