Mangaluru: Mangaluru city police have issued a public advisory warning citizens about a growing cyber fraud in which fraudsters send fake links and APK files to mobile phones, posing as official e-challan payment notifications for traffic violations.

The scam has reportedly affected several people in the city. According to the police, eight cases related to fake e-challan fraud have been registered at various police stations across Mangaluru this year alone. The victims have collectively lost Rs 44 lakh to the fraudsters.

The police have urged vehicle owners to exercise caution when receiving messages demanding payment of traffic fines and to verify all pending violations through authorised government platforms before making any payment.

Eight cases registered, Rs 44 lakh lost

According to the police advisory, cybercriminals are targeting vehicle owners by sending fraudulent SMS and WhatsApp messages claiming that their vehicles have pending traffic violation fines.

These messages often contain links or APK files that appear to be associated with official e-challan services. Unsuspecting recipients may be prompted to click on the links, download applications or enter personal and banking details to complete the supposed payment process.

Such fraudulent links and applications can expose users to financial theft and compromise sensitive information stored on their mobile phones.

The registration of eight cases and the reported loss of Rs 44 lakh in Mangaluru this year highlight the financial risks associated with these impersonation scams.

Use only the official e-challan website

As part of its advisory, the police have asked vehicle owners to check pending traffic violations exclusively through the official government e-challan portal.

Citizens can visit https://echallan.parivahan.nic.in to verify whether any traffic fines are pending against their vehicles. Payments should also be made only through this authorised portal.

The police have further advised citizens who receive suspicious e-challan messages through SMS or WhatsApp to avoid responding immediately. Instead, they should visit the nearest traffic police station or contact traffic officials to confirm whether the notice is genuine.

In cases where traffic violation notices are received through post, citizens can pay the fines through the official Mangalore One or Karnataka One websites and mobile applications. They can also visit the nearest traffic police station to complete the payment after verifying the notice.

Police warn against downloading unknown APK files

The advisory places particular emphasis on the dangers of downloading APK files received from unknown sources.

The police have strictly warned citizens against installing applications sent through suspicious links, especially those claiming to facilitate e-challan payments. Such applications may be designed to gain unauthorised access to mobile phones and sensitive information.

Vehicle owners have been advised to follow these precautions:

  • Check pending e-challans only through the official government website, https://echallan.parivahan.nic.in.
  • Make payments exclusively through authorised government portals.
  • Do not click on links received from unknown mobile numbers or suspicious sources.
  • Never download or install APK files received through unsolicited SMS or WhatsApp messages.
  • Do not share bank account details, debit or credit card information, OTPs or other personal details through unknown links.
  • Verify suspicious e-challan notifications with the nearest traffic police station before taking any action.
  • Do not trust websites merely because their addresses begin with ‘https://’. Fraudulent websites can also use secure connections.

Contact police to verify suspicious messages

The commissioner of police has appealed to citizens to follow the precautionary guidelines strictly and remain alert while dealing with online traffic fine notifications.

People who are uncertain about the authenticity of an e-challan message or payment request can contact Mangaluru city police at 0824-2220823 for verification.

The police have urged the public not to act in haste when receiving messages about pending traffic fines. Verifying the notice through official channels before clicking links or making payments can help prevent financial losses and protect personal information.