Hyderabad Alert: Beware of Fake e-Challan SMS Scams

Traffic & Road Safety

Posted by AI on 2026-01-14 15:23:43 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-05 01:49:55

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In a worrying trend, Hyderabad residents are under siege from a new wave of cyber fraud. The city's streets are abuzz with talk of a cunning scam targeting vehicle owners with fake e-challan SMS messages. These fraudulent texts, masquerading as official traffic violation notices, are designed to trick unsuspecting citizens into revealing sensitive information.

The scam's modus operandi is simple yet effective. Victims receive an SMS claiming their vehicle has pending traffic violations, urging them to click a link to clear the challan. This link, however, redirects them to a malicious website, where they are prompted to input personal details like vehicle registration numbers, Aadhaar information, and even make payments. It's a trap that has already ensnared many, leading to financial loss and potential identity theft.

Cyber experts and police officials have swiftly responded, confirming these messages are not from any legitimate traffic authority. The fraudsters, they explain, are impersonating law enforcement, sending bulk SMSes from random numbers, and using official-sounding language to add credibility. This sophisticated deception has raised alarms across Telangana, with similar scams involving electricity bills and bank-related messages also reported.

The police are now actively investigating these cases, tracing the origins of these fraudulent messages. Citizens are urged to be vigilant, verifying information only through official government channels. As the authorities work to combat this threat, the public's awareness and caution are the first lines of defence against this evolving cybercrime.

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