Scammers are back with another trick — this time, it’s the Fake RTO Challan Scam doing the rounds on WhatsApp. What looks like an official traffic challan from the Regional Transport office (RTO) is actually a phishing attempt to steal your banking and personal details.

Here’s everything you need to know to protect yourself from becoming the next victim.

1. 🚨 What Is the Fake RTO Challan Scam?

Scammers are sending fake whatsapp messages posing as traffic authorities or government departments. These messages claim you have an unpaid traffic challan and need to clear it immediately to avoid legal action.
The message usually includes:

· A fake payment link (mimicking Parivahan or RTO websites)

· A PDF or image of a “challan notice”

· Threatening language like “Pay now or your license will be suspended”

👉 Clicking on such links can compromise your phone or bank account.

2. 🕵️ How the Scam Works

Once you click on the link, you’re taken to a fraudulent website that looks nearly identical to the official government portal.

· It asks you to enter your vehicle number, mobile, or card details.

· This data is captured by cybercriminals, who can then access your bank accounts or clone your card.
Some versions even install malware that tracks your keystrokes or reads OTP messages.

3. 🧾 How to Verify a Real Challan

Don’t panic if you receive a challan message — just verify before you pay:
✅ Visit the official government website: https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/
✅ Enter your vehicle number and chassis/engine details to check genuine challans.
✅ Never trust links shared on whatsapp, SMS, or emails.

4. 🔐 Signs of a Fake Challan Message

Watch out for these red flags:

· Poor grammar or spelling errors in the message

· Payment links that don’t end in “.gov.in”

· Urgent or threatening tone (“Pay within 2 hours to avoid penalty”)

· Messages sent from personal numbers, not official government handles

5. 🧠 Stay Safe: Tips to Protect Yourself

Here’s what cyber experts recommend:

· Never click on unknown links or download attachments.

· Don’t share OTPs or banking details with anyone online.

· Enable two-factor authentication on your bank and UPI apps.

· Report scam messages on whatsapp by holding and flagging the message as Spam.

· Regularly update your phone’s security software to block phishing sites.

6. 🚓 What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you’ve accidentally made a payment or shared details:

1. Contact your bank immediately and block your card/UPI.

2. Report the fraud at the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930) or on cybercrime.gov.in.

3. Inform your local RTO or traffic police so they can raise awareness.

Bottom Line:
The Fake RTO Challan Scam on WhatsApp is another example of how cybercriminals exploit fear and urgency. Remember — official government portals never send payment links via WhatsApp. Always verify on official sites, stay alert, and protect your personal data like you protect your money. 🛡️

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.