Fake Traffic Challan Scam Mimics Government e-Challan Portal, Puts Users at Risk

A new fake traffic challan scam is circulating in India, targeting vehicle owners with convincing SMS alerts that closely resemble official traffic violation notices. The scam uses fraudulent websites that imitate the Government of India’s e-challan portal, tricking users into nearly sharing their card and personal details.

How the Fake Traffic Challan Scam Operates

Victims receive an SMS claiming their vehicle was caught overspeeding by a traffic camera. The message urges immediate payment of a small fine, typically around ₹500, and includes a shortened link that redirects users to an external website.

The SMS is often sent from a regular mobile number, not a verified government sender ID. However, the urgency and official-sounding language prompt many recipients to click without verifying the source.

Fake Website Closely Imitates Official Government Portal

The fraudulent website is designed to look nearly identical to the legitimate eChallan – Digital Traffic/Transport Enforcement Solution. It prominently displays the Ashoka emblem and claims to be an initiative of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

An alert on the page warns users of an “outstanding traffic fine” and threatens consequences such as license suspension or court summons if payment is delayed. The page lists a pending challan with a reference number, department tag, amount, and a green “Pay Now” button to push users into acting quickly.

The key giveaway lies in the URL. Instead of the official echallan.parivahan.gov.in, the fake site uses a lookalike domain such as echallan.pasvahan.icu, where just one letter is changed. The use of URL shorteners in the SMS further hides this difference.

Dynamic Data Insertion Increases Credibility

To appear authentic, the fake portal offers search options by challan number, vehicle number, or driving licence number, mirroring the structure of genuine government portals. Any information entered by the user is dynamically displayed on the next screen, creating the illusion that the system is pulling official records in real time.

This technical detail makes the scam particularly dangerous, as even cautious users may believe the data is legitimate.

Multiple Users Report Similar Fake Challan Messages

Several people have reported receiving these fake e-challan SMS alerts repeatedly, suggesting the scam is widespread. Many users expressed concern over the increasing sophistication of digital fraud and the ease with which unsuspecting individuals can be misled.

Read more: EMI Calculator: Buying a ₹2 Lakh Bike on a ₹50,000 Salary? Here is How It Can Work.

Conclusion

The rise of fake traffic challan scams highlights the importance of verifying URLs and avoiding payment links sent via SMS. Official traffic challans in India are available only on .gov.in websites, and users should access them directly by typing the address into the browser. When in doubt, it is safer to check challan details manually on the official Parivahan or e-challan portal rather than clicking unknown links. 

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