The New E- Challan Scam in India
MeitY's ISEA issues advisories on fake traffic e-challan scam, alerting public to net banking and identity theft risks.
In a bid to streamline traffic fines, many Indian cities have shifted to electronic challans, or e-Challans, since 2012. But here's the catch – scammers are exploiting this system to dupe unsuspecting citizens.
Here's how the scam works:
You receive a text message claiming to be an e-Challan alert for a traffic violation committed by your vehicle. The message includes a link to pay the fine or contact the traffic department. Once you click the link, your phone's security is compromised, and scammers gain access to your personal and financial information, leading to potential identity theft and unauthorized transactions.
To make matters worse, these fraudulent messages closely mimic official e-Challan alerts, making it difficult to distinguish between real and fake ones. However, there are ways to spot a scam:
1. Verify Vehicle Details: Check if the vehicle plate number, engine number, and chassis number mentioned in the message match your registered vehicle details.
2. Look for Errors: Watch out for spelling and grammatical errors in the message, which are telltale signs of a scam.
3. Validate Challan Number: Verify the e-Challan number by logging into the official e-Challan website: [https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/index/accused-challan]
Moreover, always scrutinize the website link provided in the message. Official government websites will have the domain '.gov.in' in their URL. Avoid clicking on suspicious links.
It's crucial not to rush into paying fines based on such messages. If you receive one or fall victim to the scam, take immediate action:
- Inform Authorities: Report the incident to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at 1930 or visit [www.cybercrime.gov.in] to file a complaint.
- Contact Your Bank: Alert your bank about the potential security breach and monitor your accounts closely for any unauthorized transactions.
- Lodge a Police Complaint: Register a complaint at the nearest police station and change your net banking passwords for added security.
By staying vigilant and following these precautions, you can protect yourself from falling prey to the e-Challan scam. Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry.
