The Road Development Agency (RDA) has issued a public alert over a recurring scam targeting transport companies, particularly on the Copperbelt and other provinces without fixed weighbridges.

According to the Agency, fraudsters are impersonating officials from its Vehicle Load Management Department and contacting transporters with claims that their trucks have evaded mobile weighbridge checkpoints. The scammers then demand immediate payments of USD 2,000, threatening to block or impound the trucks if the money is not sent to bank accounts or phone numbers they provide.

Investigations reveal that the fraudsters gather details by photographing trucks to capture license plate numbers and company logos, which they later use to intimidate operators.

While evading a weighbridge in Zambia does attract a USD 2,000 penalty under existing regulations, the RDA clarified that it does not solicit or collect fines through phone calls or informal payment arrangements.

Transporters, managers, and drivers have been urged to verify any such claims directly with official RDA offices and to avoid making payments to unknown numbers. The Agency further advised the public to report suspicious calls to relevant authorities and remain vigilant.

Anthony Mulowa, RDA Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Manager, emphasized that sharing this information widely within the transport and logistics community is critical to curbing the scam.