The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a fraud alert warning Kenyans against scammers who send fake SMS messages demanding payment for alleged traffic offences via fraudulent links.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a statement on Friday, July 10, the authority cautioned motorists and members of the public against clicking the links, saying fraudsters were taking advantage of the recent rollout of the Instant Fines Management System to deceive unsuspecting victims.

NTSA identified several fake websites, social media accounts and phone numbers that it said have no affiliation with the authority.

Among the fraudulent websites are ntsazxcyou/ke, ntsazxcdf/ke and ntsazvbond, while fake TikTok, Facebook and Instagram accounts have also been flagged.

📌 What You Need to Know

The authority urged anyone who receives the messages not to click on any links, reply to the SMS or make payments through the provided platforms.

"Do not click any links included in the suspicious SMS, do not reply to the message and never make payments through the provided platform. If you have already done so, contact your bank immediately to block or reverse the transaction," NTSA said.

Motorists were further advised to delete the fraudulent messages and only rely on official NTSA communication channels.

According to the authority, its official SMS short names are "NTSA" and "22847_NTSA", while its legitimate website is [www.ntsa.go.ke](ntsa.go.ke).

The warning comes as NTSA's recently introduced Instant Fines Management System continues to generate debate among motorists and transport operators over how the new penalties are implemented .

A key concern raised by motorists is who ultimately bears responsibility for paying the fines, with uncertainty emerging between vehicle owners and drivers, particularly where vehicles are operated by employees or where ownership records have not been updated.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke