Those paying RTO e-challan should be alert! Otherwise the account will be empty, understand the fraud before opening the link or file.

Have you ever thought that the RTO challan you receive could also be fake. Yes, you may be surprised to know this but now mostly it is issued online in the form of e-challan and fraudsters are easily duping people of money by sending fake messages or APK files. A similar case has come to light in Raipur. A big fraud has been done in the name of RTO challan. A young man was cheated of about Rs 7 lakh 42 thousand in Tikrapara police station area.

On the pretext of depositing e-challan, the fraudsters sent an APK file and asked to download it. As soon as the young man downloaded the file, the money disappeared from his bank account. According to the police, this fraud has been done through APK file. Cyber ​​police are investigating the matter and people have been appealed to be cautious of such messages or links.

How to get cheated by fake message or APK file?

Fraudsters send fake messages on SMS or WhatsApp in which it is written that an RTO or traffic e-challan has been generated for your vehicle. They give confidence by putting challan number, date or vehicle number in the message and ask to download the APK file to see the details or make payment.

As soon as you download and install the file, the malware hidden in it takes over your phone’s software. This malware steals your bank app, UPI, OTP, password and personal data. Then the fraudsters immediately withdraw money from your bank account. In many cases, the phone gets completely hacked and WhatsApp also comes under control. Government departments never send APK files, it is always fake.

How to protect?

First of all, delete any such message immediately and block the number. Never download APK file, PDF or any app from WhatsApp, SMS or unknown links. Install apps on your phone only from Google Play Store and prevent installation from unknown sources.

Always keep your phone’s software and antivirus updated. If someone in the message threatens to make early payment or the license will be blocked, then ignore it. If in doubt, inform your bank immediately and keep transaction alerts on. If the money is lost then call 1930 or file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.

What to keep in mind while submitting e-challan?

To check e-challan and make payment, always go to echallan.parivahan.gov.in or the official traffic police portal of your state in your browser, do not click on the link of any message.

Check the details by entering the vehicle number, challan number or driving license number and deposit the money only through secure payment gateway. Do not share any OTP, password or bank details with anyone. The original invoice never asks you to download APK or unknown apps.