Australian motorists are paying strangers to take the blame for traffic offenses, a practice authorities warn is illegal and increasingly common online. Social media and marketplace ads offer cash in exchange for demerit points, allowing drivers to falsely nominate others as the driver at the time of the violation. The trend has gained traction as drivers seek to circumvent license suspensions, particularly in regions where alternative transportation options are scarce. The transactions often occur in private groups or encrypted messaging apps, making it difficult for platforms to monitor or remove the listings before deals are finalized. Some sellers even provide step-by-step instructions on how to submit fraudulent declarations through official government portals, exploiting gaps in verification processes.
Online ads sell demerit points for cash
Listings on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Messenger explicitly advertise the service, some with price lists for different offenses. One ad reviewed by Yahoo News Australia offered “demerit points” for sale, while another encouraged drivers to contact sellers if they wanted to avoid penalty points. Prices reportedly reach up to $500 per demerit point. The ads often use coded language to evade detection, such as “point transfers” or “nomination assistance,” and may include disclaimers stating the service is for “legal purposes only.” Some sellers operate under multiple accounts to avoid bans, reappearing quickly after being reported. The demand for these services spikes during holiday periods, when enforcement of speeding and mobile phone offenses typically increases.
A provisional license holder in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) told The Canberra Times he paid $1,200 for someone to accept responsibility for a mobile phone offense. The payment allowed him to avoid a mandatory three-month suspension after he’d already accumulated enough demerit points to trigger it. The individual described the process as seamless, with the seller providing a pre-filled statutory declaration form that only required his signature. He admitted he was aware of the legal risks but felt the immediate need to retain his license outweighed the potential consequences. Such cases highlight how the scheme preys on drivers who rely on their vehicles for work, family commitments, or remote living situations where public transport is unreliable or nonexistent.
Government portals exploited for false nominations
The scheme relies on a legal process that lets registered vehicle owners nominate another driver for camera-detected offenses through government infringement portals. But officials say some declarations are fraudulent. Access Canberra received 23,792 statutory declarations in the first half of 2026 alone, following 42,308 in 2025 and 40,677 in 2024. The volume of declarations has prompted authorities to implement additional scrutiny, including cross-referencing details with other government databases to detect inconsistencies. For example, if a nominated driver has a history of offenses in a different state or lacks a valid license, the declaration may be flagged for further investigation. However, the sheer number of submissions means some fraudulent cases slip through, particularly when sellers use real identities of willing participants who have no prior traffic violations.
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An ACT Government spokesperson said suspicious declarations are flagged and referred to the Australian Federal Police when appropriate. The practice isn’t new—similar ads were reported in 2023—but authorities say it’s becoming more visible. Law enforcement agencies have noted a shift in how the schemes are advertised, with some sellers now offering “bundles” for multiple offenses or discounts for repeat customers. The rise of encrypted communication tools has also made it harder to track transactions, as deals are often negotiated and finalized outside public view. In response, authorities have begun collaborating with social media platforms to identify and remove ads, though the decentralized nature of the practice complicates enforcement efforts.
This kind of arrangement isn’t unique to Australia. In some U.S. states, drivers have attempted similar schemes, though enforcement varies. What makes the Australian system particularly vulnerable is the ease of online nominations and the high stakes of losing a license in a country where public transit is limited outside major cities. In rural areas, a suspended license can mean losing access to essential services, employment, or medical care, creating a strong incentive to find workarounds. The reliance on camera-based enforcement, which often lacks immediate human oversight, further enables the practice, as drivers can submit false declarations without facing direct questioning from law enforcement at the time of the offense.
Penalties for false declarations can exceed $50,000
Officials warn that participating in false nomination schemes carries severe consequences. In the ACT, making a false statutory declaration can result in fines of up to $55,000. New South Wales imposes similar penalties, including additional license sanctions for those caught falsely nominating another driver. The financial repercussions extend beyond fines, as individuals may face higher insurance premiums or difficulty securing coverage if their involvement in fraudulent activities is discovered. Courts have also imposed custodial sentences in extreme cases, particularly when the false nomination involves serious offenses like drink-driving or reckless endangerment. Authorities emphasize that the penalties apply not only to those making false declarations but also to the individuals who accept payment to take the blame, as both parties are complicit in the fraud.
Road safety authorities emphasize that the demerit point system is designed to target repeat offenders. License suspensions are meant to remove high-risk drivers from the road, not create a market for illegal point-swapping. The system operates on the principle that drivers who repeatedly violate traffic laws pose a greater danger to themselves and others, and temporary removal from the road is intended to reduce that risk. When drivers circumvent suspensions through fraudulent means, they undermine the system’s effectiveness, potentially allowing unsafe drivers to remain on the road. Studies have shown that drivers with multiple offenses are more likely to be involved in serious crashes, making the integrity of the demerit point system critical to public safety. Despite the risks, the financial incentive appears strong enough to keep the practice alive online, with some sellers advertising “guaranteed” results or money-back offers to attract hesitant buyers.
