Synopsis:

• E-challan frauds means to trick people by sending fake traffic fine messages with harmful links or apps that steal personal and banking details.
• These frauds often appear official, using real vehicle details, logos, and urgent language to create panic.
• Common red flags include wrong vehicle info, spelling errors, threatening language, or strange web links.
• Always verify challans on echallan.parivahan.gov.in instead of clicking on messages or downloading apps.

An individual received an urgent text message claiming he had a pending traffic challan. The message appeared official, complete with a link to "Pay Now." Worried about late fees, he clicked it and entered his bank details. Moments later, ₹25,000 vanished from his account. By the time he realised it was a fraud, the damage was done. His experience is not unique. E-challan frauds are on the rise, targeting unaware citizens across the country

What Is an E-Challan Fraud?

An e-challan fraud is a form of cybercrime where fraudsters send fake traffic violation alerts via SMS, WhatsApp, or email, often mimicking official government messages. These contain malicious APK files or phishing links disguised as e-challan payment portals. Once clicked or downloaded, malware gets installed on their device without their knowledge. This malware can grant the fraudsters full access to the victim’s phone. They steal sensitive data, such as OTPs, banking credentials, and Aadhaar details, enabling unauthorised transactions. Victims are tricked into believing the messages are from legitimate sources like the RTO or mParivahan.

How the E-Challan Fraud Typically Works?

The e-challan fraud typically begins with a fake SMS, email, or WhatsApp message claiming you have committed a traffic violation and must pay a fine. These messages often mimic official communication from traffic authorities, using realistic logos, vehicle details, and urgent language to create panic. They include malicious links, APK file or QR codes that redirect users to fraudulent websites or apps resembling government portals. Once clicked, these links or file they may steal personal data, banking credentials, or install malware.
Some fraudsters even prompt users to download fake apps to “view evidence” or “pay fines,” further compromising device security. Victims unknowingly transfer money to fraudsters, believing they are settling genuine fines.

Common Red Flags in Fraud Messages

Here are some red flags of the digital traffic challan fraud:

• If the e-challan message contains a different vehicle number, wrong make or model, or mentions a city where you were not present, that is a clear indicator of a fake challan.
• Be cautious if the message you receive contains grammatical mistakes, spelling errors, or awkward phrasing. Government communication is formal and professionally written.
• No one is arrested immediately for unpaid traffic challans. If a message says you will be jailed or face a police complaint unless you pay instantly, it is trying to scare you into acting without thinking.
• Fraudsters often include fake links in their messages that resemble official websites, but with slight modifications. For example, they may replace a single letter in the domain name or use extra characters to confuse you.
• An invalid e-challan does not state what offence was committed, such as “no helmet,” “signal jump,” or “overspeeding.”

Real vs Fake: How to Verify an E-Challan

To distinguish between a real and a fake challan, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Go to echallan.parivahan.gov.in and click on “Check Challan Status.”
• Step 2: Use your vehicle number, challan number, or driving license (DL) number. You may also need the last 5 digits of your chassis or engine number for verification.
• Step 3: Enter the displayed code to proceed.
• Step 4: Click “Get Detail” to see all pending challans, including violation type, date, location, and fine amount.

Steps to Take If You Have Been Targeted

Here are some e-challan safety tips to follow if you have been targeted:

• Do not tap on suspicious links received via SMS, email, or WhatsApp. Genuine e-Challans are never sent with payment links or QR codes.
• Verify the challan by visiting the official Parivahan Sewa portal or your state’s RTO website. Enter your vehicle or challan number to check its authenticity.
• If you become a victim of such fraud, contact your bank immediately. Also, you can register complaint to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal https://www.cybercrime.gov.in/ or call on 1930
• Report such suspicious/ fraudulent communication on Chakshu portal www.sanchaarsaathi.gov.in or via Sanchar Saathi mobile application.
• Monitor your bank statements and enable two-factor authentication for all financial transactions.

Best Practices to Stay Safe from E-Challan Frauds

To prevent e-challan fraud, follow the tips below:

• Enable two-factor authentication for UPI and banking apps, as most e-challan frauds aim to steal money through phishing links.
• Fraudsters do not just target vehicle owners. They may try to deceive your family members, especially senior citizens, or office drivers who may not be aware of the correct process. Educate everyone who uses your vehicle about how e-challans work and where to verify them.
• Keep your phone’s antivirus and operating system up to date. Fraudsters sometimes exploit software loopholes to install spyware or steal data.
• Before deleting any suspicious message, take a screenshot of it. This acts as evidence if you need to file a complaint later.
• After a fraud attempt, change passwords of all sensitive accounts, especially those linked to payment apps, emails, and banking services. Use combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols.

E-challan frauds are becoming more cunning, necessitating increased awareness and vigilance to avoid falling victim. Always verify any challan on the official government website, avoid clicking on the unknown links or download any File/App and educate others around you. With the right steps and alertness, you can stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and protect your hard-earned money.

FAQs

How to be safe from an e-challan?

To avoid an e-challan, always follow traffic rules: wear a helmet or seatbelt, obey traffic signals, avoid using your mobile phone while driving, and never exceed the speed limit. Ensure your vehicle documents are up to date. Park only in designated spots and avoid jumping red lights or driving on the wrong side of the road.

What is an e-challan fraud?

An e-challan fraud is a fraud where fraudster send fake traffic challan messages to your phone or email. These messages look official and ask you to click a link or pay fines, stealing your personal or banking details.

How to deal with a fake challan?

To deal with a fake challan, never click on suspicious links, APK file or share personal details. Always verify the challan status on the official government website or app. Report the fraud to cybercrime authorities immediately and block the sender’s number.

How to defend an online challan?

To defend a wrong online traffic challan in India, visit the Parivahan eChallan portal, select “Complaint,” and submit details with evidence like photos or dashcam footage. You must file within 60 days of issuance. Track status using your complaint number.

How to identify a fake challan?

To spot a fake traffic challan, check for suspicious APK links, urgent payment requests, or messages lacking gov.in domains. Genuine challans show full vehicle and violation details and can be verified on Parivahan’s official portal.

Join Vigil Army, where Vigil Aunty will decode various frauds and give people a heads-up on the dos and don’ts of combating frauds online. To join the Vigil Army, send ‘Hi’ to her via WhatsApp number 7290030000.

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*Disclaimer: Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances.
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