Also Read | SBI New IMPS Rule: Don’t Get Charged for Online Transfers After Feb 15

In a recent case, a woman lost nearly ₹98,000 after clicking a link for a minor ₹590 fine. Here is how to spot the fake from the real and protect your savings.

How to Identify a Fake vs. Real E-Challan

Scammers use urgency and fear to make you act fast. Use this checklist before you click:

Also Read | SBI New IMPS Rule: Don’t Get Charged for Online Transfers After Feb 15

The “₹590 Trap”: How the Scam Works

1. The Hook: You receive an SMS claiming an unpaid fine of a small, “believable” amount like ₹500 or ₹590.

2. The Clone: Clicking the link opens a website that looks exactly like the official Parivahan Sewa portal, complete with government logos.

3. The Harvest: When you enter your card details to pay the “small” fine, the site captures your data.

4. The Drain: Scammers use your card details on another site to initiate a high-value transaction (like ₹97,900) and trigger a fake OTP page to steal your money.

Also Read | SBI New IMPS Rule: Don’t Get Charged for Online Transfers After Feb 15

3 Steps to Verify Your Challan Safely

If you receive a message, do not click the link. Instead, follow these official steps:

• Step 1: Visit the Official Portal. Manually type [suspicious link removed] in your browser.

• Step 2: Check Status. Enter your Vehicle Number and the last 5 digits of your Chassis or Engine Number.

• Step 3: Use the App. Verify through the mParivahan app (available on Play Store/App Store) or your state’s official traffic police app.

Emergency Protocol: If You Clicked a Link

• Call 1930: Immediately report the incident to the National Cyber Crime Helpline.

• Freeze Your Account: Use your bank’s app to block your credit/debit cards instantly.

• Report Online: File a formal complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.

Also Read | SBI New IMPS Rule: Don’t Get Charged for Online Transfers After Feb 15

The post E-Challan Scam Alert: One Wrong Click Can Drain Your Bank Account first appeared on Rightsofemployees.com.

Also Read | Is the Old Tax Regime Ending? New ₹12.75 Lakh Limit Shifts the Balance (2025-26)

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).

• The REAL Website: https://parivahan.gov.in/

• The FAKE Websites: Scammers use lookalikes such as echallanparivahan.in, https://www.google.com/search?q=parivahan-govt.com, or m-parivahan.online.

• 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.

Also Read | Is the Old Tax Regime Ending? New ₹12.75 Lakh Limit Shifts the Balance (2025-26)

2. Real vs. Fake Challan: Key Comparison

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.

• Why? They want your Credit/Debit card details (Card number, Expiry, CVV).

• 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.

Also Read | Is the Old Tax Regime Ending? New ₹12.75 Lakh Limit Shifts the Balance (2025-26)

How to Verify a Challan (The Safe Way)

Never click a link in an SMS. Instead:

1. Open your browser and manually type echallan.parivahan.gov.in.⁵

2. Click on “Check Online Services” -> “Check Challan Status”.

3. Enter your Vehicle Number + the last 5 digits of your Chassis or Engine Number.

4. If the system says “No Challan Found,” the message you received was fake.

If You’ve Already Been Scammed:

• Call 1930: This is the National Cyber Crime Helpline. Call within the first “Golden Hour” to freeze the transaction.

• Report Online: File a complaint at [suspicious link removed].

• 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.

The post E-Challan Scam Alert: How to Spot a Fake Traffic Fine (2025-26) first appeared on Rightsofemployees.com.