In a stark reminder of the evolving tactics of cybercriminals, two residents of Bengaluru were collectively cheated of Rs 2.7 lakh over the weekend after falling prey to messages containing fake traffic fine payment links. The Whitefield police have registered cases and are investigating the sophisticated phishing attacks.
How the Scam Unfolded: Two Separate Incidents
On Saturday, January 7, 2026, a 27-year-old software engineer, Anurag Kumar Pandey, received a message from an unknown number. The text contained a link purportedly for paying a traffic challan. Believing it to be a legitimate notice from the traffic police, Pandey clicked on the link to verify the details. Shockingly, he later discovered that Rs 1.1 lakh had been fraudulently debited from his credit card.
In his police complaint, Pandey stated that he received a one-time password (OTP) for a transaction but did not consciously share it with anyone. Despite this precaution, the transaction was completed, pointing to the use of advanced malware or phishing techniques that can intercept OTPs.
In a similar incident on Sunday, January 8, Tarani Kumar Sharma, a 38-year-old private firm employee, reported that Rs 1.6 lakh was siphoned from her account. The modus operandi was identical: a message with a link for a supposed traffic fine led to the unauthorized transaction. The police noted that both victims held credit cards issued by the same bank, which is a line of inquiry in the investigation.
Police Warning and Official Stance
Senior officers with the Bengaluru Police have reiterated a crucial warning in light of these cases. The traffic police do not send payment links or demand fines directly from individuals via SMS or messaging apps. They have cautioned the public to be extremely wary of clicking on any random links or downloading files received from unknown contacts.
The Whitefield police have registered First Information Reports (FIRs) in both cases and are actively tracking the accused using digital transaction trails and technical evidence. The investigation aims to identify the source of the fraudulent links and the money trail.
A Persistent Cyber Threat
These latest incidents indicate that cybercriminals are persistently exploiting the familiar and anxiety-inducing pretext of traffic fines to deceive users. This scam mirrors a trend seen in December, where several cases involved malicious APK (Android Package Kit) files disguised as challan notices from the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Whether through APK files or payment links, the objective remains the same: to gain access to a victim's device and financial credentials. The police have directed the public to remain vigilant and avoid opening any suspicious files or links received through emails, SMS, or phone messages.
The key takeaway for citizens is to always verify any official communication directly through the government or police department's official website or helpline, and never transact through links provided in unsolicited messages.
