South African motorists are being warned to remain vigilant as a wave of traffic fine scams sweeps the country, exploiting public confusion around the new AARTO demerit system rollout.
According to alerts issued by Fines SA, scammers are sending fake SMSes, WhatsApp messages, and creating cloned websites to trick drivers into paying non-existent fines – dubbed “ghost fines.”
“We’re seeing ghost fine scams spreading fast,” said Barry Berman, CEO of Fines SA.
“The messages look legitimate, same logos, same wording, but they direct motorists to unsafe websites.”
These scams have intensified amid widespread misinformation about the official start date of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system.
Conflicting reports in the media – and even from the Department of Transport – created chaos earlier this year, with many incorrectly stating that the rollout would begin in June or October 2025.
Official AARTO Rollout Timeline
The correct, gazetted dates are:
- 1 December 2025: First phase of AARTO rollout in 69 major metros
- 1 April 2026: Expansion to 144 more municipalities
- September 2026: Launch of the driving licence demerit system
Berman said fraudsters are seizing on the uncertainty and anxiety around the AARTO implementation to prey on unsuspecting drivers.
“Once you’ve paid a fake fine, your money is gone – and the actual fine still exists. Fraudsters are exploiting the public’s urgency to comply.”
How the Scam Works
Victims typically receive a message urging immediate payment of an outstanding fine, with a link to a bogus payment page mimicking legitimate municipal or traffic sites.
Once payment is made, no official record exists, and the driver is left both out of pocket and still liable for the fine.
The scam’s impact could deepen next year, as AARTO introduces penalties linked to demerit points.
If motorists fall for scams and fail to pay legitimate fines, they could unknowingly rack up demerits and face licence suspensions or disqualification.
Understanding the AARTO System
Unlike the current system governed by the Criminal Procedure Act, which handles fines through criminal courts, AARTO introduces a three-stage administrative process:
- Infringement Notice – Sent physically or electronically. 50% discount if paid within 32 days
- Courtesy Letter – If not paid, discount removed and penalty added. 32 days to settle
- Enforcement Notice – Further penalty applied, demerit points added, and NaTIS services blocked (e.g., licence renewals, permits)
Critically, once an enforcement notice is issued, motorists will be blocked from obtaining any vehicle or driving documentation until payment is made.
Additionally, AARTO removes the automatic right to appear in court.
Notices can be served via email, SMS, or other digital platforms, placing the burden on drivers to contest or resolve them.
How to Protect Yourself
Fines SA urges motorists to:
- Ignore and delete suspicious messages with links
- Double-check the source of any traffic fine alert
- Use only official websites such as Fines SA, PayCity, or municipal portals
- Avoid making payments through unknown or redirected links
“This scam wave coincides with rising digital fraud in the country’s banking sector,” Berman added.
“It’s essential that motorists verify all fine-related notifications before making payments.”
With scammers exploiting every gap in public understanding of the AARTO system, experts say clear, consistent communication from government is urgently needed to reduce confusion and protect motorists.
