We're loading the full news article for you. This includes the article content, images, author information, and related articles.
Scammers are impersonating the transport authority with fraudulent text messages demanding urgent payment for fictitious violations, prompting a nationwide alert on how to protect your mobile money

A sophisticated SMS phishing scam is targeting Kenyan motorists, creating false panic to steal money by demanding payment for non-existent traffic fines. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued an urgent fraud alert, warning the public not to fall for the deceptive messages.
This new wave of cybercrime exploits the public's trust in official communications to siphon funds directly from their mobile wallets. With millions of Kenyans relying on mobile banking for daily transactions, the scam places a significant portion of the population at immediate financial risk, turning a routine traffic matter into a potential gateway for fraud.
In a statement released Thursday, the NTSA clarified that it is not behind the messages, which direct recipients to a counterfeit website to settle fabricated fines. "We have received reports of fraudsters sending SMS messages to members of the public, urging them to pay alleged traffic violation fines through a specified link by a deadline," the authority noted.
The fraudsters' tactics are designed to mimic official NTSA communication, making the messages appear legitimate at first glance. They create a false sense of urgency by threatening court summons or other penalties if the supposed fine is not paid immediately.
Once a user clicks the link in the SMS, they are taken to a cloned website, identified as 'ntsca.cc', which is not affiliated with the official state body. A major red flag, the site prompts motorists to enter their vehicle registration number—information the NTSA would already possess in a legitimate case.
This scam is part of a larger, troubling trend. According to the Central Bank of Kenya, bank customers lost a record KES 1.59 billion to cybercriminals in 2024, with mobile banking fraud seeing a staggering 344% increase.
The NTSA has emphasized that public vigilance is the first line of defense and is actively working with investigative agencies to dismantle the scheme. To avoid becoming a victim, the authority and cybersecurity experts advise the following:
As fraudsters' methods grow more sophisticated, the core advice remains constant: always pause and verify before making any unplanned payment. This vigilance is the most effective tool for safeguarding your finances against digital predators.
Keep the conversation in one place—threads here stay linked to the story and in the forums.
Other hot threads
E-sports and Gaming Community in Kenya
Active 7 months ago
Popular Recreational Activities Across Counties
Active 7 months ago
The Role of Technology in Modern Agriculture (AgriTech)
Active 7 months ago
Investing in Youth Sports Development Programs
Active 7 months ago