HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad City Police have issued a public warning against a surge in fake e-challan scams targeting vehicle owners through SMS and WhatsApp messages.
In one case, a city resident received a message claiming he had 10 pending traffic challans and warning that his vehicle would be seized if payment was not made immediately. The message included a link resembling an official website. After clicking the link to check details, his mobile phone was hacked and money was siphoned from his bank account without his knowledge. The victim later lodged a complaint with the cyber police.
In another incident, a victim received a file labelled as an RTO e-challan APK. Once clicked, the application was installed on his phone. Within minutes, ₹1.82 lakh was withdrawn from his bank account. In a similar case, a 54-year-old man lost ₹1 lakh after clicking a fake RTO challan link. Police said one or two such cases are being reported every week.
According to cyber police, fraudsters send links through SMS, WhatsApp and social media, impersonating traffic authorities. These links closely mimic official government websites, misleading users. Victims are asked to enter vehicle registration numbers, names and addresses, after which a payable amount is displayed. Once payment is made, malware is installed on the phone, allowing criminals to access banking details and carry out unauthorised transactions.
The police department has cautioned the public against making payments through fake e-challan links and issued a set of safety guidelines.
Safety Advisory
Pay traffic challans only through official government websites.
Do not click links received via SMS, WhatsApp or social media.
Government departments do not send payment links through personal messages.
Never share OTPs, UPI PINs, debit or credit card details on unverified websites.
Download mobile applications only from official app stores.
Ensure phones have the latest security updates and antivirus software.
If You Are a Victim
Anyone who falls prey to cyber fraud should immediately switch off mobile data and Wi-Fi, inform their bank to block cards and transactions, call the cybercrime helpline 1930, file a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in, and approach the nearest police station.