Pune RTO Issues Urgent Alert: Cyber Fraudsters Use Fake E-Challan Links to Dupe Motorists

By Our Staff Reporter

Pune, December 15: The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Pune has issued an urgent and stern advisory following a significant surge in cyber fraud cases where motorists are being targeted with fake e-challan and transport service links via text messages and WhatsApp. Cybercriminals are employing a new, deceptive modus operandi to loot citizens, prompting an official warning from the Transport Commissionerate of Maharashtra.

Motorists across the city have recently been receiving misleading messages about pending penalties, vehicle registration, and driving licence renewals. These messages direct users to fraudulent, non-government links and mobile apps, leading directly to financial fraud and data theft.

New Modus Operandi: Hacked Numbers and Immediate Threat

Cybercriminals are sending messages, sometimes even from known or hacked numbers, as reported by one victim, Kishore Jagtap, demulating official communication. Jagtap, speaking to the media, recounted how he received a message from a PMPML driver’s number, urging him to clear a traffic violation through a linked app. The suspicious nature of the link and the app’s absence from the Play Store raised immediate red flags.

“Messages stating, ‘Your vehicle fine is pending; pay immediately or your vehicle will be seized,’ or ‘Your driving license is about to be suspended’ are fraudulent,” confirmed Shailesh Kamat, Joint Transport Commissioner, emphasizing that the Transport Department never uses WhatsApp to collect fees or fines.

RTO’s Strict Warning: Stick to Official .gov.in Portals

Deputy RTO of Pune, Anil Bhosale, stressed the gravity of the situation and urged citizens to exercise extreme caution.

“We urge citizens not to pay fines or fees through any link other than authorised government websites,” Bhosale stated. “All services of the Transport Department, including e-challan penalty payments, driving tests, and vehicle registration, are available only on official government portals at both the state and central levels.”

Officials have strictly advised citizens to avoid clicking on any link received via SMS, WhatsApp, or third-party apps and to only use websites that end with .gov.in.

Crucially, any link ending with “.com, .online, .site, or .in” is private and not affiliated with the Transport Department. Engaging with these fraudulent sites can result in the theft of personal, banking, and mobile information.

The Commissionerate has confirmed that the issue is under investigation and action will be taken through the dedicated department. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and verify all links before making any transport-related payments.

Official Transport Websites to Use:

To ensure safety and avoid being scammed, the Transport Department has listed the official websites:

Service	Official Portal
Vehicle Registration (Vahan)	https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in
Driving License Services (Sarathi)	https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
E-Challan Fine Payment	https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in
General Transport Services	https://www.parivahan.gov.in

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