With the massive shift toward contactless enforcement in cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai, cybercriminals are now sending sophisticated “phishing” messages that look identical to official traffic police alerts.
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If you’ve received a text claiming you have a pending fine, here is how to tell the difference between a real government notice and a scam designed to drain your bank account.
1. The “Golden Rule” of the Domain
The most reliable way to identify a fake challan is by looking at the website link (URL).
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The REAL Website: https://parivahan.gov.in/
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The FAKE Websites: Scammers use lookalikes such as echallanparivahan.in, https://www.google.com/search?q=parivahan-govt.com, or m-parivahan.online.
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Crucial Tip: Every official government website in India must end with .gov.in. If the link ends in .in, .com, .net, or .org, it is 100% fraudulent.
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2. Real vs. Fake Challan: Key Comparison
| Feature | Genuine E-Challan | Scam/Phishing Challan |
| Sender ID | Verified IDs (e.g., VK-VAAHAN, AD-TRAFIC) | Regular 10-digit mobile numbers or WhatsApp |
| Payment Link | Leads to .gov.in domain | Often a shortened URL (bit.ly, tinyurl) or .in/.com |
| Language | Professional, factual, uses “shall” | Urgent, threatening (“Arrest Warrant,” “Jail Today”) |
| Payment Method | Verified Govt. Gateways / Netbanking | Only Credit/Debit Card or direct UPI QR codes |
| Verification | Exists on the mParivahan App | “Challan Not Found” on official government apps |
3. The “Card-Only” Trap
Recent reports from Cyble Research (Dec 2025) highlight a new trend: scammers are now disabling UPI and Net Banking on their fake portals.
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Why? They want your Credit/Debit card details (Card number, Expiry, CVV).
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Red Flag: If a payment page only allows card payments and refuses UPI (the most common payment method in India), it is a data-harvesting trap.
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How to Verify a Challan (The Safe Way)
Never click a link in an SMS. Instead:
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Open your browser and manually type echallan.parivahan.gov.in.5
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Click on “Check Online Services” -> “Check Challan Status”.
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Enter your Vehicle Number + the last 5 digits of your Chassis or Engine Number.
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If the system says “No Challan Found,” the message you received was fake.
If You’ve Already Been Scammed:
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Call 1930: This is the National Cyber Crime Helpline. Call within the first “Golden Hour” to freeze the transaction.
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Report Online: File a complaint at [suspicious link removed].
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Block Your Cards: Contact your bank immediately to deactivate any cards used on the suspicious link….
Also Read | Is the Old Tax Regime Ending? New ₹12.75 Lakh Limit Shifts the Balance (2025-26)
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, please consult with official sources or professionals for specific advice.
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