Bengaluru Grapples with Alarming Rise in Fake Traffic Challan Scams
Cyber fraudsters in Bengaluru have unleashed a sophisticated new scheme, preying on unsuspecting citizens by distributing counterfeit regional transport office (RTO) and traffic police challans. This deceptive tactic has triggered a sharp increase in online fraud incidents throughout the city, capitalizing on individuals' anxieties over penalties and traffic violations.
How the Fraudulent Operation Unfolds
Over the past two to three months, this scam has proliferated rapidly, with police reporting at least 100 registered cases linked to fake traffic challans in the last two months alone. The criminals dispatch Android Package Kit (APK) files through SMS and WhatsApp messages, falsely asserting that recipients must settle fines for alleged traffic infractions.
- Fraudsters send messages via SMS or WhatsApp, claiming fines for pending traffic violations.
- These messages contain APK files disguised as legitimate RTO or traffic police challans.
- Upon clicking the link, the victim's phone becomes compromised, allowing hackers to access banking applications.
- One-time passwords (OTPs) are generated without the victim's awareness, facilitating the unauthorized siphoning of funds.
Notable Cases Under Investigation
Several distressing incidents highlight the severity of this scam:
- Anand PS, a 63-year-old retiree from the Central Business District (CBD) area, suffered a loss of Rs 1.9 lakh. He received an SMS on December 26, 2025, prompting him to pay a traffic fine. After clicking the link and entering his vehicle registration number, debit card details, and an OTP, Rs 1.5 lakh was stolen, with the total loss later confirmed as over Rs 1.9 lakh.
- Sanawar Mal Suthar, a 44-year-old carpenter from Vinayakanagar, lost Rs 67,309 after receiving a fake RTO message on December 18, 2025. He clicked the link days later, entered an OTP, and had his funds siphoned off.
- Roopa Prasanna, a 45-year-old software engineer from HBR Layout, lost Rs 5 lakh after clicking a traffic challan link sent from mobile number +91-6201034958 on January 16. She paid Rs 500 as displayed on the portal, only to discover later that Rs 5 lakh had been debited from her account.
Official Warnings and Safety Guidelines
Authorities emphasize that neither traffic police nor the RTO issue challans through APK files or SMS/WhatsApp messages requesting online payments. The RTO has not established any online payment gateway and typically does not impose fines for violations such as jumping traffic signals, riding against one-way traffic, riding without a helmet, or using mobile phones while riding. RTO enforcement primarily focuses on registration, vehicle fitness, pollution certificates, and illegal modifications.
Raja Imam Kasim P, DCP (Crime–2), explained, "People often panic or become curious upon receiving messages about traffic violations. Clicking the link installs a remote access tool (RAT) on their phone, enabling fraudsters to view the screen and control the device. They then siphon funds from banking apps, classifying these as financial frauds."
To safeguard against these scams, follow these safety guidelines:
- Do not click on suspicious links, download, or install APK files received via SMS or WhatsApp.
- Official challans are either sent to the registered address of the vehicle owner or uploaded on official government websites.
- Verify traffic violations exclusively through the Bengaluru traffic police's ASTraM app and make payments via Bengaluru One or directly at traffic police stations.
- Immediately inform your bank if you notice any suspicious activity.
- Report incidents by calling the cyber helpline at 1930.
This escalating threat underscores the critical need for public vigilance and adherence to official channels when dealing with traffic-related matters, as cybercriminals continue to exploit technological vulnerabilities for financial gain.
