South Africa is preparing for the rollout of the AARTO demerit system on 1 December 2025. As the launch approaches, motorists are being warned about a growing trend of fraudulent traffic fines.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Scammers Exploiting Motorists’ Confusion
Fines SA has reported a noticeable spike in complaints from drivers tricked into paying non-existent fines. Fraudsters are taking advantage of uncertainty around AARTO by sending fake SMSs, WhatsApp messages, and creating cloned websites that mimic official municipal and traffic fine portals. These messages claim an outstanding fine and provide a link urging immediate payment. Once money is paid, it disappears, and no official record of payment exists.
“Ghost Fine” Scams on the Rise
“We are seeing ‘ghost fine’ scams spreading rapidly,” said Barry Berman, CEO of Fines SA. “The messages appear genuine, often using official logos and familiar wording, but they direct motorists to unsafe websites. People pay, yet the fine remains. Scammers are exploiting the rush to comply with AARTO before it comes into effect.”
How Motorists Can Stay Safe
Berman advises drivers to delete any suspicious notifications and use only verified traffic fines platforms. Trusted platforms provide an accurate overview of existing fines, send real-time alerts about new fines, and offer secure payment methods.
With AARTO set to go live soon, vigilance is crucial. Drivers should always confirm the legitimacy of any fine before making payment to avoid falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams.
Related article: Speed Limits in South Africa: How Fast Can You Drive Without a Fine?
