As the festive season brings increased online activity, the Indian government and cybersecurity experts are reminding citizens to be cautious of e-challan scams targeting unsuspecting drivers. This scam involves cybercriminals sending messages under the guise of the Ministry of Road Transport ’s official e-challan portal , urging people to pay fines via a fake 'eChallan Parivahan' site. The authentic e-challan system, launched in 2012 and implemented nationwide by 2017, helps authorities manage traffic violations and allows citizens to pay fines online.
How Do e-Challan Scams Operate?
Unlike many scams, e-challan scams are difficult to identify due to their realistic appearance. Fraudsters send fake messages that closely resemble official notifications, claiming a traffic violation fine has been issued. The link provided, however, redirects to a counterfeit website mimicking the legitimate government e-challan portal, often complete with cloned logos and design.
Upon clicking the link, users may unknowingly enter sensitive bank details on a fraudulent site, risking theft or unauthorized account access. In response, officials urge caution and stress the importance of verifying links before making payments. Last year, a significant case surfaced when a man from Jharkhand was arrested by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch for swindling vehicle owners with fake e-challan links.
Spotting a Fake e-Challan Message
Faridabad DCP Headquarters and Cyber Crime Officer Hemendra Kumar Meena has provided guidelines to differentiate between genuine and fake messages. Authentic e-challan notifications contain critical vehicle details, including the engine and chassis numbers, and always direct users to the official government website (echallan.parivahan.gov.in). Fake sites often subtly alter the web address, omitting “.gov” to deceive users.
To further verify a website's authenticity, check if it starts with “https” in the address bar; a site beginning with “http” could indicate a scam. When in doubt, directly visit the official government website instead of clicking links in messages.
Urgency and Pressure Tactics
Scammers frequently create a sense of urgency by claiming that immediate payment is required to avoid severe consequences. This pressure tactic is a common hallmark of online scams , intended to provoke a hasty response without verification.
Staying informed and vigilant is essential, especially during high-traffic festive seasons when scams are more frequent. Avoid reacting hastily to any e-challan message, and ensure the link is legitimate by verifying it directly on the official website.
How Do e-Challan Scams Operate?
Unlike many scams, e-challan scams are difficult to identify due to their realistic appearance. Fraudsters send fake messages that closely resemble official notifications, claiming a traffic violation fine has been issued. The link provided, however, redirects to a counterfeit website mimicking the legitimate government e-challan portal, often complete with cloned logos and design.
Upon clicking the link, users may unknowingly enter sensitive bank details on a fraudulent site, risking theft or unauthorized account access. In response, officials urge caution and stress the importance of verifying links before making payments. Last year, a significant case surfaced when a man from Jharkhand was arrested by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch for swindling vehicle owners with fake e-challan links.
Spotting a Fake e-Challan Message
Faridabad DCP Headquarters and Cyber Crime Officer Hemendra Kumar Meena has provided guidelines to differentiate between genuine and fake messages. Authentic e-challan notifications contain critical vehicle details, including the engine and chassis numbers, and always direct users to the official government website (echallan.parivahan.gov.in). Fake sites often subtly alter the web address, omitting “.gov” to deceive users.
To further verify a website's authenticity, check if it starts with “https” in the address bar; a site beginning with “http” could indicate a scam. When in doubt, directly visit the official government website instead of clicking links in messages.
Urgency and Pressure Tactics
Scammers frequently create a sense of urgency by claiming that immediate payment is required to avoid severe consequences. This pressure tactic is a common hallmark of online scams , intended to provoke a hasty response without verification.
Staying informed and vigilant is essential, especially during high-traffic festive seasons when scams are more frequent. Avoid reacting hastily to any e-challan message, and ensure the link is legitimate by verifying it directly on the official website.
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