Fraudsters are using WhatsApp, SMS, and social media to trick residents into believing that recipients have "unpaid parking fees," urging them to click on links to settle their balances immediately.
Image: File
The City of Cape Town’s urban mobility directorate has issued a stern warning to residents and visitors following a rise in fraudulent messages targeting unsuspecting road users.
Scammers are reportedly sending SMS, WhatsApp, and email notifications claiming that recipients have “unpaid parking fees,” urging them to click on links to settle their balances immediately.
The City has clarified that these messages are completely fraudulent and part of a phishing scam.
Motorists are strictly advised to ignore these messages and under no circumstances click on any links provided.
Example of phishing scam.
Image: Chatgpt.com
Mayoral committee member for urban mobility Rob Quintas said that the City did not send emails, WhatsApp messages, or SMS messages requesting payment for parking fees.
He stressed that parking fees in Cape Town are designed to ensure fair access to parking bays in high-demand areas and must always be paid upfront directly to an official parking marshal at the time of parking.
It is important for the public not to confuse these scams with legitimate notifications regarding outstanding traffic fines.
The City does send reminders for official traffic fines, which include a link to the authentic portal at www.cityofctviewfines.co.za.
If you receive a notification about parking fees that seems suspicious, do not engage with the sender.
If you are genuinely concerned about an outstanding parking fee or wish to verify a payment, contact the City’s Transport Information Centre (TIC) directly by calling 080 065 6463 or by emailing [email protected].
Stay vigilant, protect your personal information, and remember: when it comes to on-street parking in Cape Town, payment is only ever collected in person by a legitimate parking marshal.
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