Hyderabad: Citizens across Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana are receiving fake e-challan SMS messages, raising serious concerns over a new wave of cyber fraud targeting vehicle owners. The messages falsely claim that a vehicle has pending traffic violations and urge recipients to click suspicious links to “clear” the challan.
One such message circulating widely states:
“Vehicle Status Check: Your record shows pending traffic actions. Please visit the link to clear the violations and update your vehicle status.”
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Cyber experts and police officials have confirmed that these messages are fraudulent and not issued by any official traffic or transport authority.
How the Fake e-Challan Scam Works
Cybercriminals are impersonating traffic enforcement systems and sending bulk SMS messages from random mobile numbers, often using official-sounding language. The links included redirect users to fake websites designed to:
- Steal personal information
- Capture banking and card details
- Install malware on mobile devices
- Gain access to OTPs and payment apps
Once a user clicks the link, they may be asked to enter vehicle details, Aadhaar information, or make a payment—leading to financial loss.
Telangana Police Issue Advisory
Cyber Crime officials have clarified that no official e-challan notifications are sent via random URLs or third-party websites.
Legitimate e-challan details can be accessed only through:
- Official State Traffic Police websites
- Government portals such as Parivahan
- Verified mobile applications like mParivahan
Authorities have urged citizens to avoid clicking on unknown links, even if the message appears urgent or threatening.
Key Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Messages sent from personal or unknown mobile numbers
- Links that do not end with .gov.in
- Poor spelling or unusual formatting
- Requests for immediate payment
- Asking for OTPs or card details
Officials stressed that traffic departments never ask for sensitive information via SMS links.
What To Do If You Receive a Fake e-Challan Message
Citizens are advised to:
- Do not click on the link
- Do not make any payment
- Delete the message immediately
- Report it to the nearest cyber crime police station
- Forward suspicious messages to official cybercrime reporting portals
Anyone who has already clicked the link or made a payment should immediately contact their bank and lodge a cybercrime complaint.
Rising Cyber Crimes Through SMS Phishing
This scam is part of a growing trend of SMS phishing (smishing) attacks across India, where fraudsters exploit fear of penalties and legal action to trick users. Similar scams involving electricity bills, bank KYC updates, and parcel deliveries have also been reported.
Police officials said multiple cases are under investigation and efforts are underway to trace the sources behind these fraudulent messages.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe
Cyber authorities remind citizens that awareness is the first line of defence. Verifying information only through official government platforms can prevent financial loss and identity theft.
Citizens are encouraged to share this alert with family members, especially elderly users who are often targeted in such scams.
