Queensland woman charged over alleged ‘cash for demerit points’ scheme

A 27-year-old woman has been charged with fraud after Queensland police alleged she offered to take responsibility for other motorists’ traffic fines and demerit points in exchange for payment.

Detectives from the Financial and Cyber Crime Group allege the woman advertised the service through social media.

Police allege that between 2022 and June 2026, 1266 traffic infringement notices were transferred into her name, resulting in approximately 1150 demerit points being recorded against her licence.

The fines were worth approximately $620,000 in total.

The woman was arrested in Woodridge on September 17 and charged with one count of fraud.

She appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on the same day and was remanded in custody. She is expected to return to court on September 28. Police say investigations are continuing.

Financial and Cyber Crime Group commander Detective Superintendent Craig McGrath said the alleged scheme had operated for at least four years and allowed drivers to avoid licence suspensions.

“Many of those allegedly using these services should have had their licences suspended but were instead able to continue driving on our roads,” said Detective Superintendent McGrath.

“The demerit point system is in place to make our roads safer and drivers accountable, and this scheme can put other road users at risk.

“Police take this offending seriously and anyone involved can expect to be identified and prosecuted.”

CarExpert has previously reported on social-media groups offering to trade demerit points.

In a separate 2024 case, Queensland police charged a man accused of transferring fines to unsuspecting people after allegedly advertising a paid service online.

Queensland’s legitimate fine-transfer process allows a vehicle owner to nominate another person when somebody else was responsible for the traffic offence.

Eligible camera-detected fines can be transferred online, while a statutory declaration can also be used. Queensland Revenue Office says motorists generally have 28 days from the notice’s issue date to nominate the responsible person, and not every type of infringement can be transferred.

The allegations against the woman have not been proven, and the charge remains before the court.

MORE: Facebook groups still illegally selling driver's licence demerit points