The City of Cape Town’s Traffic Service is warning the public to be extra wary, as a new scam targetting individuals who need learner and driving licenses, or have outstanding fines has recently emerged.
According to the City, a member of the public arrived at Gallows Hill Driving License Testing Centre in October to collect their learner license. They were reportedly under the impression that they had been party to a legitimate transaction.
She had seen an advertisement on social media, offering learner and driving license ‘packages’ with no requirement to complete the tests or make bookings. The woman paid an unspecified amount to receive the documents.
However, the City says this advertisement is not legitimate, and that it appears that scammers are posing as City employees, or purport to have contacts at the Driving License Testing Centres.
Victims are expected to complete money transfers in exchange for the requisite documents, but never receive them.
The City’s Traffic Service does not offer packages for driving licenses, has no affiliation with driving school operators, and does not issue learner or driving licenses without the requisite testing process having been successfully completed.
“Scams are nothing new, and this appears to be the latest attempt at conning members of the public out of their hard-earned money. The City doesn’t have too many details about the scam, or how widespread it is, but we feel compelled to warn the public not to fall for these offers,” said the City’s MayCo Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.
“Our DLTCs offer tests for learner and driving license applicants, within set parameters and there are no allowances for deviating from the process. If anyone tells you otherwise, please know that it is a scam. Even if you have confirmation that the person is in fact a City employee, any offer to circumvent the system amounts to bribery and corruption and you then become an accessory to the crime.”
This specific case has been referred to the relevant policing agencies for further investigation. Any person who has fallen victim to this particular scam is advised to lay a charge with the South African Police Service.
“It is important that con artists be brought to book, as this is the only way to deter other would-be scammers. I therefore urge anyone with information to please come forward so that we may build a better picture of this particular operation and find the people responsible,” added Smith.
Information can also be relayed to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline. Callers have the option of remaining anonymous.
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