Odisha Govt Issues Advisory Against Fake E-Challan Scam; How To Stay Safe

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Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has issued an advisory, warning people about a fake e-challan scam, and adding that such alerts will never come from a mobile number.

“Beware of fake links and use only http://echallan.parivahan.gov.in for payment of traffic challans,” state electronic and information technology department posted on X (formerly Twitter).

According to police sources, fraudsters have been sending text messages, carrying a malicious link resembling the government’s online challan payment gateway, and asking recipients to deposit the e-challan between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 online.

By clicking on the malicious link, one can giving away control on their mobile phones to scammers, who would then quickly debit money from accounts of the victims. “Your phone security is compromised, scammers get access to credit/debit cards, and your bank account is drained in no time,” the advisory said.

Vehicle owners have been asked to get the authenticity of messages on e-challans verified from the traffic police.

However, no complaint has been registered in this regard so far, the sources added.