South African motorists are being urged to stay vigilant as reports of fake traffic fine scams increase ahead of the rollout of the Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (AARTO) on 1 December.
Fines SA has noted a rise in complaints from drivers who claim they were tricked into paying fines that never existed.
The scams typically involve messages sent via WhatsApp, SMS, or email, alerting recipients of an outstanding fine that must be paid “immediately to avoid penalties.” Victims are directed to a cloned payment page designed to look like an official municipal or aggregator site.
Once payments are made, the funds disappear, and there is no official record of settlement. Fraudsters are reportedly exploiting motorists’ uncertainty about the upcoming AARTO system, which links traffic fines to licence points. Repeat offenders may face licence suspension or cancellation.
Authorities warn that these “ghost fines” are spreading quickly, often using official-looking logos and legitimate-sounding language to trick drivers.
Motorists are encouraged to verify any fines through official channels before making payments and to remain cautious of unsolicited messages demanding immediate action.
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