The Ministry of Justice has apologised after a system error meant a text message about fines was sent to thousands of people. 

 Group Manager, National Service Delivery Tracey Baguley told chrislynchmedia, the message was sent on the afternoon of Monday 25 August 2025. 

“It contained the words “Amount $135.00,” the Ministry’s bank account details, a fines reference number, and the surname of the person receiving the text message. 

Several people contacted chrislynchmedia.com about the text, but all saw the ‘funny’ side realising it was some sort of error.

Baguley said “We sometimes send text messages to people who owe fines. In this case a system error meant a message went to approximately 8,000 people. Some people would have received the same message up to eight times.

“We want to apologise for any confusion or distress this has caused. We also want to reassure people that their personal information has not been shared, and that the issue has been resolved. Anyone who has paid money they did not owe will be refunded. 

 “Anyone who received the text message on Monday can delete it. If they are unsure what to do they can also call our contact centre on 0800 434 637 (0800 4 FINES).”