There is a big online scam going on right now targeting drivers across the country. Cyber security company Cyble has discovered that people are being cheated through 36 fake websites, which look exactly like the official e-challan portal. Scammers have come up with this new method, and for this people do not even need to download any app. People are falling victim to this scam through a simple message. Let us understand how this whole scam works.
Scammers are trapping people by sending messages
First, scammers send messages to people from an Indian phone number. When this number is searched, it appears to be associated with State Bank of India. Due to this people easily trust it. The message states that a traffic challan has been issued, and the amount is usually kept low. To add a sense of urgency, a 24-hour deadline is also given. The message also threatens that if the deadline is missed, legal action will be taken. The message contains a link that redirects the user to a fake website.
The rest of the scams happen on fake websites
The fake website has been made exactly like the official government website. The same logo and colors as the official site have been used in it. As soon as the user enters his vehicle number, it shows a fake challan record. After this the user is taken to the payment page. Only credit and debit card payments are accepted on this page. As soon as the user enters his card details, the money and card information go to the scammer.
How to protect yourself from such scams?
Do not open the links given in messages received from unknown numbers.
Always use the official transport (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) website to check the challan.
Be careful if a website only offers credit or debit card payment options.
If you receive such messages from unknown numbers, report them immediately.
