PROJECT: BEWARE OF "GHOST FINE" SCAMS

Isabel Spies
2 days ago
3 min read

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) and partner institutions wish to alert the public to a significant increase in

fraudulent activities known as "ghost fine" scams.

These scams are designed to trick law-abiding citizens into paying for traffic or municipal fines that do not exist.

WHAT IS A "GHOST FINE?

A "ghost fine" is a completely fabricated infringement notice.
Scammers create official-looking documents, emails, or SMS messages that appear to be from legitimate authorities such as the Traffic Department, a Municipal Court, or even the SAPS.
These fake fines often cite vague or non-existent violations and demand immediate payment under threat of severe penalties, arrest, or a "warrant" being issued.

HOW THE SCAM TYPICALLY WORKS:

YOU RECEIVE AN UNSOLICITED COMMUNICATION:
- You receive an SMS, email, or even a physical letter claiming you have an outstanding fine.
IT CREATES A SENSE OF URGENCY AND FEAR:
- The message will insist on immediate payment to avoid additional fees, a court summons, or the suspension of your driver's license.
PAYMENT ID DEMANDED VIA UNSECURE METHODS:
- The scammer will instruct you to pay via:
  - EFT to a personal bank account (not a government account).
  - Cash deposit to a specific individual.
  - Prepaid vouchers (like iTunes, Steam, or Kazang).
  - Cryptocurrency or money-transferring apps.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

VERIFY FIRST, PAY LATER:
- Never pay a fine you are unsure about.
- If you receive a fine for a violation that you do not recognise, it is likely a scam.
CONTACT THE SOURCE DIRECTLY:
- Do not use the contact details provided in the suspicious message.
- Instead, look up the official contact number for your local Municipal Traffic Department or the relevant Court and call them directly to verify the fine.
CHECK OFFICIAL CHANNELS:
- Use official government websites or portals (e.g., your municipality's online services portal) to check for legitimate outstanding fines.
- You will typically need your ID number or vehicle license disc number.
SCRUTINISE THE DETAILS:
- Look for spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, unofficial logos, and demands for payment to non-governmental entities.
- A legitimate fine will always provide details of the infringement (date, time, location, offence).

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE TARGETED:

DO NOT ENGAGE:
- Do not click on any links. download attachments, or call the numbers provided in the suspicious message.
DO NOT PAY:
- Under no circumstances should you transfer money.
REPORT THE SCAM:
- Report the attempt immediately to:
  - The SAPS on 10111 or your nearest police station.
  - The Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) at www.safps.org.za.
  - Your local Municipality's Fraud Hotline.
REMEMBER:
- Legitimate government institutions will never demand immediate payment via unconventional methods like prepaid vouchers or personal EFTs.
- They will always provide clear, verifiable channels for you to dispute or pay a fine.
- Stay vigilant and protect your finances.
- Spread the word to friends and family to ensure our community is not victimised by these criminal acts.

RELEVANT ARTICLES:

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.

How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

- https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarjftF8PgsI4pODE929

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za

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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.

STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.

POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv