Have you violated traffic rules? A message will not be sent via WhatsApp, cautions MVD

Thiruvananthapuram: In the wake of fake messages sent through whatsapp regarding traffic violations demanding payment through fraudulent links, Motor Vehicles Department has come up warning the public that MVD would never send a message regarding traffic violations through whatsapp. In a facebook post appearing on their official page, MVD warns the public about the need to be aware of the messages and payment links sent through whatsapp.

“The intimations regarding the traffic violations would only be sent from parivahan portal to the vehicle owner’s registered mobile number as text messages. Such intimations would carry the vehicle number also’, MVD said. 

MVD has come up with such a message in the wake of the increase in the frauds being conducted in the name of traffic violations and messages sent through whatsapp. In such messages, a payment link also would be forwarded to pay the fine for traffic violation. 

MVD's Facebook post

“Have you unknowingly or knowingly violated any traffic rules? Ensure for yourself. If you are certain that you have not violated any traffic rules, please be aware that such messages or payment links will not come to your WhatsApp. For a moment, these kinds of messages can cause panic. Most fake messages are designed psychologically to take advantage of that brief moment of confusion and panic.

The Motor Vehicles Department's portal is echallan.parivahan.gov.in. Violation notifications with vehicle numbers will only come to your registered mobile number from the Parivahan portal. A payment link or apk app will never be sent to your WhatsApp by MoRTH (Ministry of Road Transport & Highways).

Do not open such messages. Take a screenshot and verify its authenticity with the relevant authorities. If it is a fake, delete it immediately. Stay cautious to avoid regret".