Don’t respond to an SMS about unpaid parking! It’s a scam

The City of Cape Town has warned motorists not to fall for a scam in which fraudsters send SMS messages claiming road users have unpaid parking fees and must click on a link to settle the balance.

According to the City’s Urban Mobility Directorate, scammers send messages via SMS but may also use other platforms such as email and WhatsApp. One of the common messages reads ”Action required: Your parking fee remains unpaid. Please settle the balance immediately…”

Pay marshals directly

The City has reminded residents and visitors that the only way to pay for on-street parking is directly to the parking marshal at the time of parking. It does not send SMS, email or WhatsApp messages requesting payment for parking fees.

Motorists are advised not to confuse these fraudulent messages with legitimate notifications about outstanding traffic fines. The City does send reminders to motorists with outstanding fines registered in their names, which contain a link to view fines at www.cityofctviewfines.co.za.

How to verify

Anyone with concerns about an outstanding parking fee should not respond to the message or click on any links, but contact the City’s Transport Information Centre on 0800 65 64 63 or transport.info@capetown.gov.za for assistance.

”Residents and visitors should remain vigilant and avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages claiming that parking fees are outstanding,” said Mayco member for Urban Mobility Rob Quintas. “If in doubt, contact the City directly through the Transport Information Centre for verification. The City does not request payment for parking fees through SMS, email or WhatsApp messages.”

Why the City charges for parking

The City charges parking fees for on-street parking bays in designated areas across Cape Town, particularly in central business districts and areas where demand for parking is high. According to the City, this promotes the turnover of parking bays and prevents any one motorist from occupying a space for extended periods, ensuring fair access to parking for all road users.

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