Scammers targeting motorists with these popular cars in South Africa

Toyota owners in South Africa are being targeted by scammers using SMS messages, phone calls, and emails claiming to be affiliated with the carmaker.

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) notified its customers of the risk, warning motorists not to engage with an SMS promoting a collaboration between Toyota and the gambling platform AfricaBet.

The manufacturer said it is currently investigating a cybersecurity incident involving a third-party SMS platform used for customer communication.

Toyota confirmed that unauthorised SMS messages were sent to customers, claiming that the carmaker was running a gambling collaboration.

TSAM is the largest car brand in South Africa, and companies of this scale often use third-party platforms for bulk SMS marketing campaigns and notices. Toyota did not name the affected platform, but said it was secured.

“Our teams are working closely with the service provider, including cybersecurity specialists, to determine the full scope of the incident,” the company said.

“Customers are advised not to engage with the contents of the message or click on any associated links.”

TSAM apologised for the concerns raised and stated that it would continue to provide owners with updates as more information becomes available.

Anyone who has received the SMS or has concerns is advised to reach out to TSAM’s customer contact centre at 0800 139 111 or [email protected].

It is currently unknown whether AfricaBet was involved in the unauthorised SMS messages, or if the perpetrators used the name to make the scam seem more legitimate.

Our sister publication, MyBroadband, asked TSAM and AfricaBet for comment on the development but did not immediately receive feedback on its queries.

This is not the only scam targeting Toyota owners, however, as TSAM also put out a warning about phone calls, emails, and SMS messages about a supposed vehicle recall.

“These scammers attempt to coerce customers into agreeing to have their vehicle collected for repairs and they inform customers not to take their vehicle to their nearest Toyota Dealership,” it said.

“We urge our customers to be careful and not to entertain these types of requests. Please be vigilant and verify any suspicious communications by contacting your dealership or our customer care line.”

Traffic fine scam making the rounds in South Africa

Earlier this month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) warned motorists to be wary of scams claiming to represent traffic services.

The SAPS noted that fraudulent emails, SMS messages, and phone calls have been circulating since the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act came into effect in over 60 municipalities nationwide on 1 July 2026.

The police warned that the scammers are impersonating the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS), municipal traffic services or other traffic authorities.

“In these scams, recipients are informed that they have outstanding traffic fines and are pressured to make immediate payment to avoid additional penalties, legal action or increased fees,” the police explained.

“These messages often contain links to fraudulent websites or payment portals designed to steal personal and financial information.”

The SAPS said that a message may be a scam if it includes the following:

• Unsolicited emails or messages requesting payment of traffic fines
• Threats of immediate legal action or increased penalties if payment is not made without delay
• Requests to click on unfamiliar links or provide banking or personal information
• Notices that do not contain accurate personal details, vehicle registration information or legitimate infringement reference numbers.

Motorists who receive a suspicious message are advised not to make payments or click on embedded links.