Srinagar: If you recently received a text message claiming you have a “Pending Traffic Challan” and asking you to pay immediately via a link, stop. Do not click it. The Traffic Police City Srinagar has issued an urgent advisory regarding a sophisticated phishing scam targeting vehicle owners in the valley.
The Scam: How It Works
Cybercriminals are exploiting the fear of traffic fines to steal banking credentials.
- The Hook: Users receive an SMS that looks official, stating: “Your vehicle [Number] has a pending challan of ₹500. Pay immediately to avoid court action.”
- The Trap: The message contains a malicious link (often ending in .apk or a random string like
kashmir-fine.com) instead of the official government URL. - The Damage: Clicking the link often installs malware on your phone (specifically “Parivahan” fake apps) or redirects you to a fake payment gateway that steals your UPI PIN or credit card details.
Official Advisory: How to Spot a Fake
Authorities have highlighted specific red flags to help citizens distinguish between a real fine and a fraud.
- Check the Link: Real e-challan messages direct you ONLY to
https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in. If the link looks likepayment-challan.xyz,bit.ly, or asks you to download an.apkfile, it is a scam. - Look for Vehicle Details: Genuine alerts usually mention the specific violation (e.g., “No Parking” or “Signal Jump”) and the location. Fake ones are vague.
- Source Number: Be wary of messages sent from personal mobile numbers (+91…) instead of official sender IDs (like VAAHAN or JKPOL).
How to Safely Check Your Fine
If you are unsure whether you actually violated a traffic rule, verify it manually:
- Go to Official Site: Open your browser and type echallan.parivahan.gov.in.
- Enter Details: Click on “Check Online Services” > “Check Challan Status”.
- Input: Enter your Vehicle Number or Challan Number.
- Verify: If the site says “No Challan Found,” the SMS you received is 100% fake.
Why This Matters To You
- Financial Risk: This isn’t just about losing ₹500. These links can drain your entire bank account via screen-sharing malware.
- Data Privacy: Clicking these links can compromise your personal photos and contacts.
Key Highlights Box
- ⚠️ Alert: Fake Challan SMS circulating in Srinagar.
- ❌ Don’t: Click on links ending in
.apkor unofficial domains. - ✅ Do: Verify on
parivahan.gov.inonly. - 📞 Report: Forward suspicious texts to the Cyber Police or call 1930.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: You can use UPI apps to pay, but never initiate the payment through a link sent via SMS. Always go to the app’s “Challan Payment” section and manually enter your vehicle number to fetch the authentic bill.
A: Immediately disconnect from the internet, uninstall any unknown apps that may have downloaded, and contact your bank to freeze your accounts. Report the incident to the National Cyber Crime Portal (1930).
A: No. Official notifications are sent via SMS (Text) or physical postal notices. They never demand payment via personal WhatsApp messages.
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