- Festive season travel creates opportunities for scams at roadblocks and border posts, where fraudsters exploit fear and confusion.
- Illegal spot fines, fake border documents and currency exchange cons remain among the most common tactics.
- Travellers who are aware of their rights and verify payments through official channels are far less likely to fall victim.
As South Africa moves through another high-pressure festive season, Ann-Suhet Marx, Director and Head of Litigation at VDM Incorporated, warns that December and January consistently mark a peak period for scams targeting motorists and cross-border travellers.
Increased movement, long queues and heightened anxiety create fertile ground for criminals who rely on intimidation and misinformation to extract cash from unsuspecting travellers.
One of the most common schemes involves fraudsters posing as traffic officers at roadblocks and demanding so-called spot fines for minor infractions such as cracked windscreens, worn tyres or expired licence discs. These encounters are often aggressive, with victims threatened with arrest or detention unless cash is paid immediately. Marx stresses that spot fines are illegal and that no traveller can be compelled to pay cash at a roadblock under South African law.
Another recurring problem arises around border documentation. Criminals exploit uncertainty about vehicle papers, insurance requirements or travel permits by offering quick fixes in exchange for a fee. In reality, these documents are often fraudulent and leave travellers exposed to arrest, vehicle impoundment or further extortion. Marx cautions that no legitimate border official sells insurance or documentation at the roadside, and that all required paperwork must be obtained through licensed and recognised providers before travel.
Currency exchange scams also intensify near busy border posts during the festive season. Syndicates frequently lure travellers with seemingly attractive exchange rates, only for victims to receive counterfeit notes or be charged excessive mark-ups. Marx emphasises that only licensed foreign exchange dealers are authorised to exchange currency and warns that roadside stalls and informal operators operate entirely outside the law.
Holiday accommodation and identity theft risks
Beyond the border itself, travellers are increasingly falling victim to accommodation and transport scams. Fake guesthouses, shuttle services and holiday rentals advertise festive discounts, collect upfront payments and then disappear, leaving families stranded on arrival with no valid booking. Identity-related crimes are also on the rise, with syndicates requesting copies of passports or driving licences under false pretences and, in some cases, demanding originals. These documents are later used for criminal activity, often with devastating consequences for those affected.
“The festive season is meant for family, celebration and relaxing, not legal battles, financial loss and stress,” Marx says. “Knowing your rights at borders and roadblocks, and being aware of the various scams out there, can prevent unnecessary stress and protect your pocket.” She advises travellers to carry valid documentation, keep certified copies separate from originals, verify any fines or fees through official channels and report suspicious demands immediately to the South African Police Service or the Border Management Authority.
As enforcement and coordination continue at ports of entry, the responsibility for safe travel also rests with the public. Travellers who remain alert to common scams and understand their rights stand a far better chance of reaching their destinations safely, lawfully and without costly setbacks.
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