SCAM ALERT: How fraudsters can exploit new Aarto system to send ‘ghost fines’

The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) Act, set to begin a phased rollout on 1 December 2025, fundamentally changes how traffic fines are handled.

Under the new system, fines will be processed administratively rather than through the courts, with a 50% discount offered for early payments, the right to dispute fines, nominate another driver, or pay in instalments.

However, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has warned that technical issues and incomplete infrastructure can lead to wrongful fines and opportunities for corruption.

Scammers may also be able to send 'ghost fines' with fake SMS and cloned websites to trick motorists into paying for penalties they did not receive.

Experts are advising drivers to verify all fines via the official Aarto website or app, and use only RTIA-approved payment systems.

“When it comes to payments, whether it is fines or not, you should always give it a second thought… have a zero trust mindset,”says cybersecurity expert Anna Collard.

She adds that you should never click on any link that comes in via SMS or email.

To listen to cybersecurity expert Anna Collard in conversation with John Maytham on CapeTalk’s Afternoon Drive, click the audio player below: