From identity theft to false fines: How to spot a scam these holidays
An attorney warns motorists to be aware that spot fines along the road is illegal.
Image: File
People going on holiday locally and those travelling to neighbouring countries for the Festive Season need to be on the lookout for criminals posing as border officials as well as fraudulent transport and accommodation scams.
That’s the warning from Ann-Suhet Marx, Director and Head of Litigation at law firm VDM Incorporated.
While legitimate checks at roadblocks and border crossing are essential, syndicates are exploiting the chaos of peak travel, posing as officials or service providers to extort cash from unsuspecting families, she warns.
“It’s the time of year when identity theft, false fines, and financial losses spike, so South Africans must be able to tell the difference between lawful checks and unlawful demands designed to defraud and intimidate.”
Marx further warned that not every uniform is legitimate, pointing out that criminals thrive on confusion and fear, and travellers who don’t know their rights are the easiest targets. Earlier this month, the Border Management Authority unveiled its Festive Season Operational Plan for 2025/2026 — a strategy designed to keep South Africa’s borders secure and efficient during the busiest travel months of the year.
The plan covers 71 ports of entry — 52 land, 10 international airports, and 9 seaports — and extends into the designated border enforcement zone, reaching 10 kilometres inland and 12 nautical miles out to sea. Its focus is on strengthening immigration checks, biosecurity, port health, and law enforcement at every point of entry. More than 75% of all festive season traffic flows through ten key ports, including OR Tambo International, Beit Bridge, Lebombo, Maseru Bridge, Cape Town International, and Oshoek.
Marx provides tips on how to spot a scam before it becomes costly, which include fraudsters posing as traffic officers demanding “spot fines” for minor infractions such as cracked windscreens, worn tyres, or expired discs. “These scams often rely on intimidation, with uniformed individuals threatening detention unless cash is paid immediately. Spot fines are illegal. Travellers cannot be forced to pay cash at a roadblock. Insist on written documentation and verify through official channels,” Marx says.
She also warns against bogus border paperwork. “Criminals exploit missing vehicle papers or insurance documents, offering ‘quick fixes’ for a fee. They may claim your vehicle lacks cross-border insurance or that your papers are incomplete, then try to sell you fraudulent documents.” No legitimate border official sells insurance or paperwork at the roadside. All documents must be obtained through licensed providers, Marx explains.
She also warns against schemes involving exchanging money at inflated rates or with counterfeit notes, with syndicates often setting up near border posts and offering “better” rates than banks. “Only licensed Forex dealers are authorised to exchange currency. Avoid roadside stalls or unofficial operators,” she advises.
Accommodation and transport scams are also high on the agenda at this time of year. “Fake guesthouses and shuttle services lure travellers with festive discounts, then disappear after upfront payments, with victims often arriving to find no booking exists. Verify bookings through official platforms. Never pay upfront to unknown operators without receipts or contracts,” is her advice.
Document theft and identity fraud is another problem, as syndicates request “copies” of passports or licences, then steal identities for criminal use. In some cases, travellers are even asked to surrender originals under false pretences. “Never hand over originals unless required. Keep certified copies for checks and safeguard originals at all times,” Marx says.
Her practical tips for travellers include carrying the essentials such as a valid passport, visa (if applicable), driver’s licence, and vehicle papers. Certified copies of these should be kept separate from originals. Always confirm fines or fees through official channels before paying; be aware that driving an unroadworthy vehicle may void your insurance claims in the event of an accident.
Marx also advises that suspicious demands must be reported to the SAPS or the Border Management Authority hotline immediately.
Stay Scam‑Aware: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Travel in Groups: Syndicates often target lone travellers; groups are harder to intimidate.
Keep Emergency Contacts Handy: Save numbers for your insurer, embassy, and local police.