“Your Vehicle Was Recorded Speeding”: The Fake Traffic Fine Scam

You receive a text message saying something like:

“Your vehicle was recorded speeding by a traffic camera. Use this link to handle this case.”

Many people click the link without thinking — because traffic fines, cameras, and e-challans are real. That’s what makes it dangerous.

Scammers impersonate traffic authorities to send fake violation notices via SMS. When you click the link, you’re taken to a fake website that looks like an official government or traffic police portal. From there, you’re asked to:

• Pay a “fine”
  
• Enter personal details
  
• Share vehicle or ID information
  
• Provide card, UPI, or OTP details
  

Once you do, your money — and sometimes your identity — is gone.

Common Signs and Red Flags

Even when the message looks convincing, there are warning signs:

1. Suspicious links
The link may look official at first glance but often doesn’t belong to a verified government domain and may include spelling mistakes or random letters and numbers.

2. Generic messaging
These messages usually don’t mention your name, vehicle number, or the exact time and location of the violation. Real traffic notices include specific details.

3. Pressure and urgency
Warnings like “pay immediately,” “final notice,” or threats of legal action are meant to make you panic and act without verifying.

4. Requests for sensitive information
No legitimate traffic authority will ask for OTPs, card PINs, or full payment details through an SMS link.

5. Unusual payment methods
Being redirected to unknown UPI IDs, wallets, or instant transfer requests is a strong sign the message is fake.

How to Protect Yourself?

Do not click the link.

Instead:

• Check fines only through official channels
  Use verified government websites or official traffic police portals to look up challans using your vehicle number.
  
• Verify before paying
  If you’re unsure, contact the local traffic authority directly — not through phone numbers or links in the message.
  
• Be cautious with unexpected fines
  Especially if you don’t remember violating any traffic rules.
  
• Use Truecaller
  Truecaller can help identify suspicious numbers and flag known scam SMS messages before you interact with them.
  
  

If you already clicked the link, act quickly:

• Stop interacting with the site immediately
  
• Contact your bank or payment provider
  
• Change passwords if you shared login details
  
• Monitor your accounts for unusual activity
  
  

Scammers are betting on one thing: that you’ll react before you verify.

Slow down. Check the source. Use official channels — and tools like Truecaller — before taking action. A few seconds of caution can save you from losing money, data, and a lot of stress.

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 450 million-strong community of people using Truecaller every month can stay protected. You'll find us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.