Motorists in Australia have been warned about the rising danger of dodgy websites that claim to remove demerit points and fines for a fee. While these sites seem like an easy fix, they come with major risks, including hefty penalties of up to $11,000. Here’s why you should steer clear of these shady services.
The Tempting Offer
Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, have become breeding grounds for these dubious offers. Numerous pages and posts are circulating, promising to “clear” fines and demerit points from drivers’ records. The sites advertise themselves as quick, simple, and convenient solutions to reduce your penalty points for traffic violations, such as running red lights. For instance, one website charges about $600 to clear a $544 fine and remove three demerit points.
But the catch? While the service might look legitimate at first, it’s not. Drivers who opt for these services often have to hand over sensitive personal information, including their full name, contact details, and sometimes even payment via bank transfer or cryptocurrency. Though it might seem like a harmless shortcut, this method can come back to haunt you.
The Fallout: What Happens When It Goes Wrong
Unfortunately, the benefits of these websites don’t last long. Several users have shared stories of their fines being “cleared” temporarily, only for the fine to reappear weeks later, accompanied by even higher penalties. One person recounted to 7News how their $544 fine came back with an additional $7,000 in penalties after a false nomination of another driver. Imagine that — trying to dodge a small fine only to be hit with a mountain of debt.
Not only are these services ineffective in the long run, but they’re also illegal. Transport for NSW has made it crystal clear that tampering with demerit points or falsely nominating someone else to take on your fines can lead to severe consequences. As the spokesperson explained, people caught in this scam could face fines up to $11,000.
Why Is This Happening?
The issue of fake fine-clearance services has grown alongside a loophole that allows demerit points to be traded. In one instance, a person racked up over 1,500 demerit points by falsely nominating other drivers. These systems were ripe for exploitation, especially with international licence holders taking advantage of the rules. In some cases, even addresses in Sydney were used to accumulate large numbers of demerit points, with up to 40,000 drivers potentially benefiting from fraudulent tactics.
In response, the NSW Government has teamed up with Australian Border Force to clamp down on these illegal practices. Starting in May 2025, a new law will require international drivers who have been in the state for three months to convert to a NSW driver’s licence, helping to reduce fraud and improve the integrity of the system.
What Should You Do Instead?
So, what can you do to stay on the right side of the law? First off, don’t fall for these online offers. While it may be tempting to cut corners, clearing fines and demerit points through these means can lead to much bigger problems down the road. Stick to the official processes for handling fines and points. If you’re facing a fine, pay it promptly or look into legitimate avenues for disputing it. Trust in the system, and steer clear of any “quick fix” that promises the world but could cost you dearly.
