A task force has been set up to crackdown on alleged fraudsters who’ve helped ‘clients’ scam the demerit points system.
The three-month probe will investigate suspected gaming of the process that allows another driver to be nominated as liable for infringement demerit points, the NSW government announced on Friday.
It will target 0.005 per cent of the state’s almost 7 million licence holders – about 350 people – who have 20 or more demerit points.
It will also review the suitability of current penalties, suspensions and other measures to deter people who rack up demerit points, given the same five-month suspension applies to drivers whether they have 13 points or more than 20.
Several ads on Facebook Marketplace, from multiple accounts under different names but all featuring the same contact number, offered to deal with demerit points for as little as $30.
Contacted on the requested encrypted messaging platform on Friday, the number responded with an automatic message, requesting a photo of the fine and further identification details.
“Once I have all the information I will get back to you and get the fine done for you as soon as possible,” the message promised.
It assured potential clients they would not have to pay until the fine was dealt with in order to protect them “from getting scammed from other people”.
“Don’t be alarmed as I have lots of clients I have set up an automated message,” it said.
The crackdown comes after a French delivery rider was found to have racked up more than 200 demerit points on his licence in May.
More than five decades on from the initial design of the demerit points scheme, it was time for a review, Roads Minister John Graham said on Friday.
“The NSW Government has zero tolerance for anyone trying to subvert the system,” he said.
“There is one set of road rules and they apply equally to all.”
The task force includes Transport for NSW, NSW Police and Revenue NSW.
Source Agencies
