SA motorists warned against new 'Ghost Fines' scam
Here is everything you need to know about this new traffic fine scam.
Traffic fine platform, Fines SA, has now issued a warning to SA motorists, saying they must be vigilant as a wave of traffic fine scams is exploiting the confusion surrounding the new AARTO demerit system that will be rolling out.
READ: Speeding fines and demerit points: What you need to know about AARTO
The AARTO laws aim to remove habitual traffic offenders from roads and national highways, making it safer for everyone.
The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Amendment Act (AARTO) will begin operating on 1 December in 69 of South Africa’s major municipalities, with smaller regions adopting the system in April 2026.
The full demerit points programme is only expected to roll out by September 2026.
READ: The fastest you can drive in SA without getting a fine
Fines SA has warned road users that scammers are sending fake SMSes and WhatsApp messages, and even creating cloned websites to trick drivers into paying non-existent fines, also known as 'ghost fines'.
Scammers have taken advantage of the confusion and misinformation that has spread about the AARTO system to swindle people.
READ: JMPD denies setting targets for collection of traffic fines
Barry Berman, the CEO of Fines SA, provided further details about this scam.
We’re seeing ghost fine scams spreading fast. The messages look legitimate, same logos, same wording, but they direct motorists to unsafe websites. Once you’ve paid, your money’s gone and the fine still stands. Fraudsters are exploiting uncertainty and the public’s urgency to comply before AARTO takes effect.
READ: South African intersection named one of the 'Most Stressful' in the world
How the scam works
- Victims will typically receive a message urging them to make an immediate payment of an outstanding fine.
- The message will include a link to a fake payment page, masquerading as a legitimate municipal or traffic site.
- Once payment is made, no official record exists, and the driver has lost money and remaining liable for the fine.
The scam's impact could become even more serious in the next year as AARTO introduces penalties linked to demerit points.
READ: Major changes coming to SA toll plazas
Motorists who fall for scams and fail to pay legitimate fines could unknowingly accumulate demerits and face licence suspensions or disqualifications.
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How to avoid being scammed
Fines SA is urging motorists to do the following:
- Ignore and delete suspicious messages with links.
- Use only official websites such as Fines SA, PayCity or municipal portals.
- Double-check the source of any traffic fine alert (including email addresses and phone numbers).
- Avoid making payments through unknown or redirected links.
This scam wave coincides with rising digital fraud in the country’s banking sector. It’s essential that motorists verify all fine-related notifications before making payments.
Read and learn more about the AARTO system here.
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