Traffic fines or fraud? Centre warns against E-challan scams

The Union government have warned against a new online scam involving the use of the e-challan system to dupe people. The e-challan system has long functioned as an efficient way to track and pay fines for traffic violations on the go. But, it is now being used by scamsters to defraud people via bogus links and text messages.

What is the E-Challan System?

The e-challan system serves as an efficient method for tracking and paying fines for traffic violations conveniently. However, scammers are now leveraging this system to defraud unsuspecting users through fake links and text messages.

How the Scam Works

In its advisory, the Centre cautioned that clicking on these fraudulent links could allow scammers to hack into bank accounts. The government provided examples of both legitimate and fake links associated with these scams:

Original Link: https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/

Fake Link: https://echallanparivahan.in/

Tips to Avoid Falling Victim:

To protect yourself from e-challan scams, consider the following precautions:

Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Do not click on links or download attachments from emails or texts claiming you have an e-challan, especially if they seem urgent or threatening.

Verify Legitimacy: If you are uncertain about the authenticity of a message, contact your local traffic authority directly through their official website or phone number to inquire about any outstanding violations.

Protect Your Information: Never share your financial details, login credentials, or Aadhaar information on unverified websites or mobile apps.