Explainer- Now fraudsters are cheating people through traffic e-challan fraud, know how to be careful!

PC: Logistics Insider

In today's era, fraudsters have invented new methods to carry out scams. You might have regularly read about various scams occurring in different ways, ranging from online dating apps to fake WhatsApp video calls or sending fake links. Even Netflix has a web series on the same topic named 'Jamtara'. Now a new method of fraud is emerging, which includes traffic e-challan.

To improve traffic management across the country, cameras have been installed on roads to capture violations like speeding and running red lights. Instead of giving traffic tickets physically, the traffic police are now sending e-challans through SMS directly to people's phone numbers. Fraudsters have found a way to take advantage of this system.

How do fraudsters take advantage of traffic e-challan?

Fraudsters send SMS messages to people regarding traffic e-challan. These messages often start with something like, "Your invoice number is **, and your vehicle number is **." The SMS contains a link to pay the challan. Scammers take advantage of people's fear. As soon as someone clicks on the link, they are guaranteed to get a profit of Rs 500 to Rs 5000. So how can this be prevented?

PC: Banner Bank

How to protect yourself from traffic e-challan scams?

Suppose you have received such an SMS or you have received the e-challan legitimately. In such a situation, there is no need to panic. Even if you have a pending e-challan, you usually have enough time to pay it. Therefore you should avoid clicking on the link in a hurry. Instead, gather accurate information about your e-invoice and proceed to make the payment.

PC: HT Tech

You can check whether there is an e-challan linked to your vehicle number on the national portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways at https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in. Additionally, a mobile app is also available for this purpose. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and PIB Fact Check regularly share guidelines related to this. Pay attention to them. In short, be alert and be careful.