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The victim received multiple messages from unknown mobile numbers stating that a traffic fine was due and needed immediate payment with messages containing a web link
Police have once again urged citizens to verify traffic challans only through official government websites and apps. (Image: AI)
Lately Bengaluru has seen a steady rise in digital frauds where everyday services are used as bait, and traffic challans have once again emerged as a familiar trap. In a recent instance, two city residents lost over ₹5 lakh after falling prey to fake traffic fine messages, prompting cybercrime police to reiterate warnings issued after similar cases reported in recent months.
In one incident, a 57-year-old tech professional from Whitefield lost Rs 2.3 lakh after responding to a fraudulent message claiming he had a pending traffic challan. According to the complaint filed with the Whitefield cybercrime police, the incident occurred on January 26.
The victim received multiple messages from unknown mobile numbers stating that a traffic fine was due and needed immediate payment. The messages contained a web link that appeared authentic. Believing the message to be genuine, he clicked on the link and attempted to pay Rs 500. During the transaction, fraudsters allegedly gained access to his credit card details. Shortly after, Rs 2,32,272.14 was unauthorisedly debited from his credit card and transferred to unknown accounts. A case has been registered and an investigation is underway.
A similar incident was reported the following day from Uttarahalli. A 53-year-old resident lost Rs 3.03 lakh after clicking on a fake traffic fine link sent via message. The victim later noticed unauthorised transactions and approached the South Division cybercrime police, who have registered a separate case.
Cybercrime officials said the method used in both cases mirrors several recent fraud complaints in Bengaluru, where scamsters impersonate government agencies to create urgency and panic around fines or penalties. By directing victims to fake payment portals, fraudsters gain access to banking or card credentials within minutes.
How to Stay Safe From Fake Traffic Challan Scams?
With multiple fake challan cases reported in Bengaluru in recent months, police are urging commuters to double-check before making any payment.
Here’s how you can verify if a traffic challan message is genuine:
- Check only official websites: Traffic fines in Karnataka can be verified only on authorised government portals such as the Parivahan website or the official Karnataka traffic police platforms. Avoid third-party links.
- Do not click links from unknown numbers: Fraudulent messages often come from random mobile numbers, not official IDs.
- Never enter card details via SMS links: Genuine challan payments do not require sharing full credit or debit card details through message links.
- Cross-check using your vehicle number: Enter your vehicle registration number directly on the official website instead of clicking any payment link.
- Watch for red flags: Poor language, urgent payment warnings, or unusually small fines asking for immediate action are common scam tactics.
- Report suspicious messages immediately: Forward such messages to cybercrime authorities or report them through your local police helpline.
Police have once again urged citizens to verify traffic challans only through official government websites and apps. They have advised the public not to click on suspicious links received via SMS or messaging platforms and to report such messages immediately to cybercrime authorities.
Officials stressed that genuine traffic challans do not require instant payments through unknown links and warned that increased awareness remains the strongest defence against such recurring scams.
January 29, 2026, 19:39 IST
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