Cybercriminals are exploiting fake traffic fine alerts via SMS, WhatsApp, and email to trick users into visiting phony payment sites, draining bank accounts with alarming speed.
Victim’s Ordeal
A 65-year-old from Laxmi Nagar, east Delhi, lost Rs 2,49,246.61 after clicking a fraudulent challan link sent to his wife’s phone, posing as a Rs 500 fine notice.
The initial payment seemed successful, but fraudsters quickly executed an international transaction, including Saudi riyals—prompting cyber police to file charges for cheating and identity theft.
Scam Mechanics
Scammers craft urgent messages mimicking official notices, complete with government logos, leading to Parivahan lookalike sites that harvest card details for instant unauthorized transfers.
Red Flags
Watch for unsolicited links, OTP/CVV demands, license suspension threats, absent vehicle details, third-party payment apps, or non-.gov.in URLs—these scream fraud.
Safe Verification
Confirm challans solely via parivahan.gov.in using your vehicle or license number; ignore all external links or attachments from unknown sources.
If Scammed
Act in the first "golden hour": Dial 1930 cyber helpline, report at cybercrime.gov.in, alert your bank for card blocks and chargebacks to limit damage.
Staying vigilant against these fear-driven ploys protects your finances.
See What’s Next in Tech With the Fast Forward Newsletter
Tweets From @varindiamag
Nothing to see here - yet
When they Tweet, their Tweets will show up here.
