Man pays Rs 6 lakh traffic fine via SMS: Police explain how such scams work and how to stay safe

Cyber scam

A man has lost close to Rs 6 lakh after falling victim to a traffic fine scam that began with a seemingly routine SMS alert. According to cybercrime police, the message claimed that a Rs. 500 traffic challan had been issued against his vehicle and included a payment link for immediate settlement. Believing the message to be legitimate, the victim clicked on the link and followed the instructions on the webpage that opened.

Police said the website closely resembled an official traffic challan payment portal, which reduced suspicion and encouraged the victim to proceed. When he attempted to make the payment, fraudsters were able to gain access to his phone and banking information. Shortly afterwards, multiple unauthorised transactions were carried out from his account.

Investigators revealed that the victim ultimately lost around 6,900 Euros, an amount that translates to nearly Rs. 6 lakh. The transfers were made without his consent and were only discovered once the funds had already been moved out of his account. A case has been registered and cybercrime teams are now tracing the digital trail left by the attackers.

Things to keep in mind: What authorities have to say

Police say this incident highlights a growing trend in which fraudsters impersonate traffic authorities to exploit people’s fear of penalties and legal consequences. These scams often begin with SMS or WhatsApp messages that claim a violation has been recorded through CCTV or automatic number plate recognition systems. The messages typically urge immediate payment to avoid higher fines or legal action.

According to cybercrime officials, the links included in such messages usually lead to fake websites designed to mimic government portals. In some cases, clicking these links can also trigger the installation of malicious software on a phone. This software allows criminals to monitor activity, intercept one-time passwords, and gain access to banking or wallet applications.

Authorities have stressed that legitimate traffic departments do not send direct payment links through SMS, email, or messaging apps. Official challan notifications may be sent as alerts, but payments must always be made by visiting verified government platforms directly.

Police have advised citizens to check traffic fines only through official portals such as the Parivahan website or authorised state traffic police websites. Users should manually enter their vehicle registration number on these platforms instead of clicking on any links received in messages.

Officials have also urged people to closely examine the sender details of any traffic-related message. Alerts from unknown numbers, international numbers, or unverified sender IDs should be treated with suspicion. Poor spelling, vague language, or pressure to make an urgent payment are common red flags in such scams.

Another key warning is to never enter card details, PINs, passwords, or OTPs on unfamiliar websites. Police also caution against downloading applications through links sent in messages. Traffic and payment-related apps should only be installed from official app stores after verifying the developer details.

In the event of receiving a suspicious message, citizens are advised to report it immediately on the national cybercrime reporting portal or by calling the cybercrime helpline number 1930. Quick reporting can sometimes help authorities freeze transactions before the money is completely withdrawn.

Cybercrime officers have reiterated that no police or transport authority demands instant payments via text messages. They have urged vehicle owners to pause, verify information through official channels, and act only after confirming the authenticity of any challan. Staying cautious and informed, police say, remains the strongest defence against such digital frauds.