Do you have an e-challan message? It could be a scam: What vehicle owners should know before paying traffic fines | Today’s news
The Mangaluru City Police has issued a cyber fraud alert warning vehicle owners against fake traffic challan messages, suspicious payment links and malicious APK files after eight cases of such fraud were reported in the city this year, resulting in massive losses ₹44 million.
According to multiple media reports quoting Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH, fraudsters are sending out messages claiming that vehicle owners are waiting for traffic violations and have to pay fines. Unsuspecting motorists who click on these links or download the attached APK files risk losing money to cybercriminals.
Police have urged vehicle owners to verify pending traffic offenses and e-challan details through official government channels before making any payments.
How the fake transport challan scam works
Fraudsters allegedly send fake e-challan notifications through SMS and WhatsApp, claiming that the recipients have violated traffic rules and need to pay outstanding fines.
These messages often contain suspicious links or APK files that may appear to be related to government traffic enforcement services. Clicking on such links or installing applications from unknown sources may expose users to cyber fraud.
The Mangaluru City Police has warned people against downloading APK files from unknown sources, clicking on suspicious payment links or sharing sensitive financial information through unverified websites.
Vehicle owners have been specifically advised not to share bank account details, debit or credit card information, one-time passwords (OTPs) or other personal information through links that claim to allow e-challan payments.
How to check genuine transport challans online
Police have advised vehicle owners to check ongoing traffic offenses and e-challan details exclusively through the official government portal:
**https://echallan.parivahan.nic.in**
Payments should only be made through authorized platforms.
People receiving suspicious e-challan messages through SMS or WhatsApp should verify their authenticity by contacting or visiting the nearest traffic police station.
If the e-challan notices are delivered by post, vehicle owners can make payments through Mangalore One or Karnataka One official websites or mobile apps. They can also visit the nearest traffic police station and make the payment.
Police warn of fake websites
The police commissioner also warned people against assuming that a website is genuine just because its URL starts with “https://”.
Fraudsters can create websites that closely resemble official government portals to make their fraudulent payment links look legitimate.
Police have urged motorists to be careful when responding to reports of outstanding traffic fines and to avoid sharing personal or banking details through unverified links.
People seeking clarification regarding e-challan payment messages can contact Mangaluru City Police at 0824-2220823 for verification.
The warning comes at a time when cybercriminals are increasingly using digital payment systems and impersonating government services to target unsuspecting citizens.