Speeding fine - is this legal?

grok

grok

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I received a sms about 6 months ago about a speeding fine in some god-forsaken town (think it was Beaufort). The fine was for 2007 & I think I went through there on my way to CT around that time so it might be legit.

I refused however to phone the number given in the sms on the basis that it might be a scam and, anyway they obviously have my number they can phone me why should I pay for the call.

Sure enough about a month or so later I got a phone call about this. I politely told the guy I'll pay the fine if I was at fault, but it all sounds fishy to me I won't respond to anything over the phone. I gave him my postal address and requested him to send the fine via mail to me for consideration.

Couple of month passes, today I get Final Notice Outstanding Traffic Fine in my email (gmail account nogal). Looks legit allright (logo, all the right words & even an account to transfer the R400 into as an admission of guilt) but why not send it to me by post?

Apparently they get your details from the last place you serviced your car, or so I've heard. Which is fair, but I'm wary of being scammed the whole thing came across very cloak & dagger to me. What happens if I just delete the mail?

Is this a legal document, am I oblidged to respond to this or not?
 
noddachance - steer clear...

If you didn't receive a notice either by officer of the court (hand-to-hand) or registered snail mail, they can sod off. Keep in mind that, even if it was legit, Gmail doesn't send delivery receipts so they'll have no acknowledgment that you received it. Also please forward a copy to my mail - [email protected] - I'd love to see this thing! If you wouldn't want to, for whatever reason, I'll understand but I'm quite curious!
 
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its a scam. Do not go near it. They need a officer of the court to come to your house and make you sign it to acknowledge the receipt.
 
evilstebunny said:
I received a sms about 6 months ago about a speeding fine in some god-forsaken town (think it was Beaufort). The fine was for 2007 & I think I went through there on my way to CT around that time so it might be legit.

I refused however to phone the number given in the sms on the basis that it might be a scam and, anyway they obviously have my number they can phone me why should I pay for the call.

Sure enough about a month or so later I got a phone call about this. I politely told the guy I'll pay the fine if I was at fault, but it all sounds fishy to me I won't respond to anything over the phone. I gave him my postal address and requested him to send the fine via mail to me for consideration.

Couple of month passes, today I get Final Notice Outstanding Traffic Fine in my email (gmail account nogal). Looks legit allright (logo, all the right words & even an account to transfer the R400 into as an admission of guilt) but why not send it to me by post?

Apparently they get your details from the last place you serviced your car, or so I've heard. Which is fair, but I'm wary of being scammed the whole thing came across very cloak & dagger to me. What happens if I just delete the mail?

Is this a legal document, am I oblidged to respond to this or not?
Click to expand...

Post the email's headers here....
 
Would love to see it, please post it if you don't mind. And I agree completely, definitely sounds like a scam. I was under the impression fines fell away after 2 years anyways? Or am I dreaming?
 
mjkelly said:
Would love to see it, please post it if you don't mind. And I agree completely, definitely sounds like a scam. I was under the impression fines fell away after 2 years anyways? Or am I dreaming?
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Dreaming.
They just accumulate. In fact I believe now you can't re-licence your car unless you're paid up. Also, the police at the roadblocks can detain you for non-payment.

These fines come in the post as an ordinary letter. No official or registered mail.
 
I am a cop and here is my advice. Sackboy is right. It may sound like a scam (and there is a good chance to be one), however, I strongly suggest you contact the traffic dep. mentioned in the letter/sms/email and make sure is a scam (or not). If not, pay the relevant authority and insist on a receipt. I have ruined enough holidays by arresting the driver as they arrived in Jeffrey's Bay to start their vacation. Belive me, is not a nice feeling on my part ! (not to mention the despaire on the accused's site) Keep in mind, the police will most probably. arrest you for failing to appear in court at some date stipulated/mentioned in this letters. Of course, you'll still have to pay the fine. The traffic dep. will deal with you after the criminal charge is over. You know, plenty of criminals out there, don't even know the police is looking for them until they are arrested/behind bars. You can use the excuse 'Sorry, I did'nt know', however, if there is half a chance a warrant for my arrest has been issued somewhere (whatever the reason - and wrongfull as it may be), I will want to be the first to know. Either way, the simple fact that the 'scamers' know so much about you, will justify further investigation on your part - Just a thought :)
 
Gomario said:
I am a cop and here is my advice. Sackboy is right. It may sound like a scam (and there is a good chance to be one), however, I strongly suggest you contact the traffic dep. mentioned in the letter/sms/email and make sure is a scam (or not). If not, pay the relevant authority and insist on a receipt. I have ruined enough holidays by arresting the driver as they arrived in Jeffrey's Bay to start their vacation. Belive me, is not a nice feeling on my part ! (not to mention the despaire on the accused's site) Keep in mind, the police will most probably. arrest you for failing to appear in court at some date stipulated/mentioned in this letters. Of course, you'll still have to pay the fine. The traffic dep. will deal with you after the criminal charge is over. You know, plenty of criminals out there, don't even know the police is looking for them until they are arrested/behind bars. You can use the excuse 'Sorry, I did'nt know', however, if there is half a chance a warrant for my arrest has been issued somewhere (whatever the reason - and wrongfull as it may be), I will want to be the first to know. Either way, the simple fact that the 'scamers' know so much about you, will justify further investigation on your part - Just a thought :)
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Cop or not, no action can be taken with regards to a traffic violation unless there is record of either registered mail or hand-delivered notice being received. Yes, we're waking up to the wonderful world of technology, but GMail doesn't count. ;)
 
I remember my mom and uncle also got smses a while back about an outstanding traffic fine. It was obviously a scam so they ignored it and haven't heard anything since. So, it's probably the same case
 
@Enigma You are confusing a few things here. Can you state the law or regulation which stipulates what you are saying? Keep in mind, if this is not a scam, the original poster is a suspect in a traffic violation case who is hiding/on the run from the law ! He has been contacted by sms (written) and after he failed to contact the authority (whoever that may be), he has been contacted by telephone. After failing to react once again, he has been contacted by email ! Him self admitted to have been at the scene where the said offence has been committed and at about the right time (as per original post). What als must the traffic dep. do? Surelly, you do not expect the local cop to drive 1000km or whatever, to deliver the fine/notice in person? The sms to his cell and the subsequent personal phone call, are cheaper alternatives. Yes, there is a chance of been a scam (which I doubt more and more looking at the circumstances). If the telephone call was recorded, the original poster can be sure, further action will follow. Of course, he can take a chance and hope is a scam or the involved dep. is 'giving up' and it will 'blow away', but what if not so? Do not jump to a conclusions ! Your advice may be wrong. What then? Further, you/we have never heard the story from the "scammer's side". You'll be surprised :D All what I did advised was to check who 'the scammer' is and take appropriate action (report him to prevent further scams, alternatively ensure no warrant of arrest comes his way)
 
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Well I googled a bit and found a site where you can review the fine https://www.payfine.co.za/. Not sure if it works since I don't have a fine to test it with, but there should be a 'ticket-number' in the sms or email if it is legit. Just enter it there and check if there is anything on the system
 
The fine was supposedly issued in 2007... arent they supposed to do all this within six months of the offense?
 
enigma243 said:
Cop or not, no action can be taken with regards to a traffic violation unless there is record of either registered mail or hand-delivered notice being received. Yes, we're waking up to the wonderful world of technology, but GMail doesn't count. ;)
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And not even then. A court issued summons is the only document you need to worry about, and even then, it has to be delivered, to your registred PHYSICAL address, and must be SIGNED for by a person of at least 16 years of age, LIVING at that address.

By what I have read in this thread, it sounds like a collection agency trying to get hold of the OP. They probably work on a commision-only basis. C'mon, an email, on an alleged traffic violation?
 
Of course it's a scam. And something to remember - if someone contacts you claiming you owe money never, ever, admit to owing the money until they produce proof.

Sackboy said:
Also, the police at the roadblocks can detain you for non-payment.
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No they cannot.

These fines come in the post as an ordinary letter. No official or registered mail.
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The fine yes, but the summons has to be hand delivered.

OhGats said:
arent they supposed to do all this within six months of the offense?
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Has to be within 30 days.
 
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