A new wave of cyber fraud is spreading across India, with fake e-challan payment messages becoming a powerful tool for digital scammers. This growing menace highlights how criminals are now weaponising citizens’ trust in online government services.
The scam typically unfolds in a simple yet
highly effective sequence. Individuals receive a text or message claiming that
a traffic challan remains unpaid and must be cleared immediately to avoid
fines, penalties, or legal consequences. These messages often contain links
designed to closely resemble official government portals, making them appear
authentic at first glance.
Once a user clicks the link:
·
A counterfeit e-challan website opens
·
The design mirrors official transport department
portals
·
Users are prompted to enter vehicle or
registration details
·
Payment is requested via card, UPI, or net
banking
·
In some cases, hidden malware is installed in
the background
·
Funds are drained from the victim’s bank account
within minutes
What makes this fraud especially alarming is
its realism. The websites, language, and process look almost identical to
genuine platforms, leaving little room for suspicion. This tactic is now being
reported frequently in major cities and urban regions.
Most victims only become aware of the scam
after receiving debit alerts from their banks—by that point, the money has
already been transferred and recovery becomes difficult.
Several factors are fuelling this sharp rise
in fake e-challan scams:
·
Expanding digital delivery of government
services
·
Widespread use of mobile-based payment systems
·
Limited public awareness about official
verification channels
·
Overreliance on SMS and WhatsApp notifications
·
Fear-driven reactions to legal or financial
penalties
People instinctively assume that messages related to traffic violations or government dues are legitimate. Cybercriminals are deliberately exploiting this assumption, turning urgency and fear into powerful tools of deception.
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