Delhi Man Loses Rs 4 Lakh to WhatsApp Traffic Challan Scam
A resident of Delhi has suffered a significant financial loss of approximately Rs 4.05 lakh after falling victim to a sophisticated WhatsApp-based scam involving a fake traffic challan. The incident highlights the growing threat of cyber fraud exploiting official-looking communications.
How the Scam Unfolded
The victim, identified as Harit, received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number claiming to be from "NextGen mParivahan" and associated with the Ministry of Transport. The message warned of a pending traffic challan of Rs 1,000 and contained a link to address the issue. Believing the communication to be genuine, Harit clicked the link and downloaded an application, but found no challan details after installation.
Soon after, he noticed suspicious activity on his Amazon account. At around 2:59 PM, he received an email notification stating that his e-wallet password had been changed. Within minutes, the registered email ID linked to his account was altered without authorisation—from his personal Gmail address to an unfamiliar email ID.
Unauthorized Transactions and Financial Loss
Shortly thereafter, Harit began receiving SMS alerts from multiple banks regarding five high-value credit card transactions made through an online shopping website. None of these transactions were initiated or approved by him. Police records indicate that the fraudster allegedly used the victim's saved credit card details to purchase e-gift cards.
The five transactions amounted to a total loss of approximately Rs 4,05,000. All the gift cards were reportedly delivered digitally to the fraudster's email address, making recovery difficult.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
Upon discovering the fraud, Harit filed a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). A case was registered under section 318(4) (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) last month, marking a formal investigation into the incident.
A Pattern of Similar Frauds
This is not an isolated incident. Last month, an elderly resident in east Delhi was defrauded of Rs 2.5 lakh after clicking on a similar fraudulent link to pay a small fine of Rs 500. These cases demonstrate a concerning pattern of scammers targeting individuals with official-looking communications about minor fines.
Police Warning About Rising Scams
Police authorities warn that such frauds are on the rise, exploiting people's fear of fines and legal action. With WhatsApp-based challan alerts now active in various regions, scammers are increasingly using multiple channels including SMS, WhatsApp, and even PDF attachments to send fraudulent messages.
These messages often:
- Claim to be from the transport ministry or pose as transport officials
- Pressure recipients to "process" payments immediately via links mimicking official portals
- Omit critical details such as notice number, vehicle number, and offence location
- Try to collect sensitive information through links instead of redirecting to the official Parivahan portal
Red Flags and Safety Measures
Officers caution that several warning signs should alert citizens to potential fraud:
- Links, QR codes, or payment requests from unknown numbers or unverified WhatsApp accounts
- Urgent messages warning of fines, licence suspension, or legal action
- Requests for payment through third-party apps, agents, or unfamiliar websites
Once clicked, these fraudulent links typically lead to fake gateways designed to steal banking credentials and withdraw funds without authorisation. The Delhi Police emphasize that legitimate government communications will never pressure citizens for immediate payment through unofficial channels.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for all citizens to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from government authorities, especially those requesting payments or personal information. Cyber security experts recommend directly contacting official departments through verified channels rather than clicking on links in unsolicited messages.
