A new cyber scam is spreading rapidly in India, targeting bike and car owners. This time, fraudsters are trying to trap people by impersonating the government’s ‘Parivahan’ portal. Users are being threatened with traffic fines through SMS and a fake link is being sent, clicking on which can cause huge losses.
How Fake Transport Challan Scam Works
In this scam, people receive SMS from an unknown mobile number, which often starts with +91. It is said in the message that he has violated traffic rules and he will have to pay the fine immediately, otherwise legal action will be taken. The link sent along with the SMS looks like a government website but in reality it is completely fake.
Fake link resembling transportation is luring victims
Fraudsters use words that sound like real names, such as Prairvahsan, or similar spellings, so people won’t notice the difference in a hurry. The design of the link also resembles a government portal, which makes it difficult to suspect at first glance. Cyber criminals take advantage of this haste and fear.
Clicking on the link can cause major harm
If someone clicks on the link, they may be asked for login details, bank information, or saved card data. In many cases, malware may also be installed on the phone, which may lead to unauthorized bank transactions. One small mistake can wipe out your entire savings.
What to do immediately if you receive such SMS
If you receive such a traffic challan SMS on your phone, first of all, do not click on the link, no matter how important the message seems. Block and report that number immediately and delete the messages. Do not reply or call back.
How to verify the authenticity of an invoice
If you really think you might have a traffic challan, check the information yourself on the official transport website or contact your nearest RTO directly. Instead of trusting any unknown link, the safest way is to manually check the details on the government portal.
How to stay safe from such traffic frauds:
If you receive messages about traffic fines through SMS, WhatsApp, or social media, do not trust them blindly. Always verify the information by checking the challan number and vehicle details on the official government website. Remember, a little carelessness can lead to big financial losses, so being cautious is the best protection.
