Govt warns citizens of a fake e-challan scam

The Information Security Awareness by MeitY has warned citizens to not fall prey to fake e-challan scams. The move comes after cybercrime has risen in many parts of the country. Fraudsters are circulating text messages that appear to be from the traffic police. When individuals click the link, they are redirected to a fake website, which prompts users for personal and financial details.  

Faridabad Police has also issued a warning, urging citizens to not click on any links they receive in the name of e-challan. The authorities added that fraudsters can hack into a bank account with just one click on these fake links. 

“If you receive a link for a traffic challan, don't click these links. By clicking upon these links for payment, fraudsters can hack your bank account,” read the text attached to an infographic.  

“Cyber frauds are now making people their victims by using the growing trend of e-challan payment as a weapon,” DCP Hemendra Kumar Meena was quoted as saying. 

DCP Meena informed that the fraud messages are created in such a manner that it will conclude with a link. “You have been issued a challan. You can pay your fine by clicking on this link,” she said.  

The police have also differentiated between the original link of the e-challan and the fake one. The statement informed that an original challan message will include “engine number, vehicle identification number (VIN) and other information about your vehicle.” In addition, the official challan message will end with a government link: https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/.  

However, the fake messages are being concluded with a link that doesn't include .gov.in at the end. The fake e-challan message will have links like https://echallan.parivahan.in/.