E-Challan Scams on the Rise: How to Spot Fake Fines and Stay Scam Free

How the E-Challan Scam Plays Out

1. Fake SMS and Email Alerts
   You get a message saying something like, "Immediate action needed: Your e-challan payment is overdue," with a link to “pay now.” It looks real, but clicking it could cost you more than you think.
2. Posing as Traffic Police
   Some scammers even call, pretending to be police officers, and put pressure on you to make a quick payment. They sound official but are just trying to scare you into paying up fast.
3. Fake Payment Websites
   The links in these messages lead to websites that look like the official e-challan payment portal. But it’s all fake! Your payment and bank details go straight to scammers.
4. Grabbing Your Info
   Some of these fake sites don’t just take your money—they also steal your bank info or OTPs, which can lead to unauthorized transactions or worse.

How to Spot and Avoid a Fake E-Challan

1. Check the Sender
   Official e-challans come from recognized numbers or emails. If you get a message from an unknown number, be cautious.
2. Beware of Urgent Language
   Scammers love to create a sense of urgency, making you feel like you need to act fast. If the message sounds aggressive or overly urgent, it’s worth double-checking.
3. Use the Official Website
   Avoid clicking on links in texts or emails. Go to the official e-challan site https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in to check if you really have any pending fines.
4. Look for Odd Language or Typos
   Scam messages often have small grammar mistakes or unusual wording. If something feels off, trust your gut and verify with the traffic authorities.
5. Call Traffic Police If Unsure
   When in doubt, call or visit your local traffic police station to confirm if there’s an actual fine against your name.

E-challan scams can be sneaky, but with a little caution, they’re easy to avoid. Always take a second to double-check any message or link before paying a fine, and remember—legitimate traffic authorities won’t rush or pressure you.

If you ever suspect a scam, don’t hesitate to reach out to local traffic police or trusted sources for help. And if you come across any unusual or suspicious messages, sharing what you’ve learned with others can help keep everyone safe.

How can Truecaller help? 

Truecaller offers more than just our renowned Caller ID and spam-blocking features; we provide a fortress against fraud. Our technology helps you identify unknown calls and messages, allowing you to block scam attempts proactively, by both calls and texts. By using Truecaller, you ensure that only verified and legitimate communications reach you.

At Truecaller we have made it our mission to build trust in communication. We do our best to help you navigate a world where fraud and unwanted communication are a part of your daily life.

Stay updated about recent scams, and watch the latest YouTube videos on how you and the 400+ million-strong community of people using Truecaller every month can stay protected. You'll find us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.