What observers say
“Criminals are constantly trying to trick people out of money in every way imaginable,” stated Johan Bac, highlighting the growing concern over fraudulent speeding fines that have recently surfaced.
In recent weeks, thousands of individuals have reported receiving fake traffic fines, leading to a significant increase in inquiries. The Dutch Central Judicial Collection Agency (CJIB) received 5,200 calls last week alone regarding suspicious fines, indicating a widespread issue that has caught the attention of authorities.
The CJIB has made it clear that they never issue fines through digital means such as email or SMS. Instead, official fines can be identified by a large letter M in the top right corner of the mailed notice. This distinction is crucial for recipients who may be uncertain about the legitimacy of the fines they receive.
Fraudulent fines typically warn recipients to pay within 24 hours to avoid increased amounts or the risk of losing their driving license. This urgency is a tactic often employed by scammers to pressure individuals into making hasty decisions without verifying the authenticity of the claims.
The surge in reports of fake fines may be linked to a recent data breach at telecom provider Odido, which exposed the personal information of 6.2 million people. This breach has raised concerns about the security of personal data and how it can be exploited by criminals.
In South Africa, the landscape of traffic fines is also evolving. Barry Berman noted, “The technology has caught up, and the days of fines just disappearing are definitely long gone.” Under the Aarto system in Johannesburg, enforcement notices are issued for unpaid fines, and motorists may face arrest if outstanding fines escalate to a warrant under the Criminal Procedure Act.
Motorists in South Africa should be aware that fines are now tied to their ID numbers and business registration numbers, making it more difficult for fines to be ignored. Berman further emphasized, “At Fines SA, we don’t send out SMSes at all,” reinforcing the message that any such messages claiming outstanding fines are likely scams.
Xolani Fihla warned, “If it does say a warrant, then there is a possibility that you will be arrested,” underscoring the seriousness of ignoring traffic fines. As authorities continue to combat these fraudulent activities, individuals are advised to verify any fines they receive through official channels to protect themselves from scams.
