Traffic challan on WhatsApp, new trick to fleece with suspicious link
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Nagpur: Cybercriminals are now using fake traffic challans sent via WhatsApp to dupe unsuspecting citizens in Nagpur. In a recent case, a citizen, Manish, narrowly escaped falling prey to such a scam after receiving a bogus traffic violation notice on his mobile phone — even though his vehicle hadn't left the parking lot outside his home.
Shared his experience in detail, Manish warned fellow citizens about how cybercrooks are now impersonating traffic police officials using fake logos, genuine-looking messages, and even valid vehicle registration numbers. "I got a WhatsApp message at 5.16pm claiming I had violated traffic rules and fined Rs2,000. It mentioned my car number and included a challan number. But I didn't take my car out all day. It was parked outside my house," he told reporters adding, "I cross-checked with my wife and reviewed CCTV footage at home.
My car hadn't moved."
On closer inspection, Manish noticed that the message included an APK file — a type of Android application file — that could potentially compromise his phone and siphon off sensitive data like bank account details. "Luckily, I didn't click on it. I had read about such scams in the news. I informed the police right away," he said.
The fake message came from an unknown number and even used an official-looking profile photo of the traffic police to add credibility.
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Manish later submitted the details to the assistant commissioner of police (ACP), cautioning others not to download unknown files or click on suspicious links. He also highlighted that genuine traffic challans are issued via official govt SMS channels, not through WhatsApp.
"Another friend of mine recently received similar scam messages pretending to be from toll collection services and banks. These fraudsters are using emotional triggers to trick people into panicking and paying up," he said.
The Nagpur police have received several such complaints in recent weeks and are urging citizens to remain vigilant, avoid clicking on APK files, and report suspicious activity immediately.
DCP Lohit Matani, head of the cyber cell, posted a video warning citizens about the scam. "A woman received a message claiming she had a pending traffic challan and was asked to download an APK file to view and pay it. As soon as the file was downloaded, a large sum of money was deducted from her account."
Explaining the modus operandi, Matani said fraudsters send messages saying an e-challan is pending and provide a link to download an app that mimics the official 'mParivahan' platform. Once the APK file is installed, the criminals gain full access to the victim's phone, including photos, messages, banking apps, SMS, and OTPs.
"People should never click on such links or download any APK files from unverified sources," Matani cautioned. "If you receive such a message, visit the official Parivahan website to check your challan status. Do not respond to suspicious messages or make payments through third-party apps."
The DCP further advised victims of such frauds to immediately report the incident by calling the national cybercrime helpline 1930, visiting the nearest cyber police station, or lodging a complaint at the local police station.
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