Patna: The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) has issued an urgent warning over a surge in cyber fraud linked to fake e-challan payment links, which are being circulated via SMS and WhatsApp. Victims are being tricked into clicking on malicious links that mimic official government websites, leading to the theft of sensitive banking information.
According to the EOU, fraudsters are sending messages that claim the recipient has a pending e-challan—an electronic traffic fine—and must pay it immediately. The message includes a link, which, when clicked, redirects users to a counterfeit version of the government’s transport website. Here, unsuspecting users are prompted to enter bank details, UPI PINs, or card information, which scammers then exploit to siphon funds from their accounts.
Cyber DSP Himanshu Kumar reiterated that neither the traffic police nor the transport department sends payment links through SMS or WhatsApp. Citizens are advised to make any such payments only via the official website: Parivahan.gov.in.
The EOU has issued the following precautions for the public:
- Do not click on any unsolicited SMS or WhatsApp links claiming to be from traffic authorities.
- Always verify challan details directly on Parivahan.gov.in or by contacting the local traffic police station.
- Never share personal or financial information with unverified websites or individuals.
- In case of fraud, immediately report the incident to the cybercrime helpline at 1930 or file a complaint at the nearest police station.
Officials are urging citizens to remain alert and avoid falling prey to these increasingly sophisticated scams.
