Skip to content

Traffic fine phishing

Fake E-Challan SMS Scam

The message says you have an unpaid traffic fine and must pay today through a link, or install an “RTO e-Challan” app. The link is a copy of the Parivahan site that steals card details; the app is malware that reads your OTPs.

if you got this

Treat it as a scam until you check. Don’t click, pay or share a code. Open echallan.parivahan.gov.in yourself and check with your vehicle or challan number.

Check my message with KavalFree to start. Nothing to install.

what it looks like

Forwarded

Dear Vehicle Owner, your e-Challan of Rs 500 is pending for over-speeding. Pay within 24 hours to avoid court action: echallan-parivahan-pay.in

Most people have driven a little fast at some point, and a small fine feels believable. Court and licence threats make you act before checking.

red flags

  • A payment link that is not echallan.parivahan.gov.in
  • An APK file named “RTO e-Challan” or “VAHAN PARIVAHAN” sent on WhatsApp
  • Sent from an ordinary 10-digit mobile number
  • A deadline of hours, with threats of court, licence or vehicle seizure
  • No challan number, or one that does not show up on the official site

if it’s happening now

  1. Open echallan.parivahan.gov.in yourself and check with your vehicle or challan number.
  2. Pay only there, or through your state traffic police’s official site or app.
  3. Delete the APK if you downloaded it. Do not open it.
  4. If you entered card details or installed the app, call your bank and block the card now.
Already clicked, paid or shared something?

Don’t

  • Do not install any app sent over SMS or WhatsApp.
  • Do not pay through the link in the message.
  • Do not share the OTP that arrives after you enter card details.

Save this evidence

  • Screenshot of the SMS with sender number
  • The full link
  • Any payment or bank alert

Stop it happening again

  • Bookmark echallan.parivahan.gov.in and only check fines there.
  • Keep “install unknown apps” turned off on your phone.
  • Tell older family members that real challans never come as an app.

questions people ask

How do I check if a traffic challan is real?

Type echallan.parivahan.gov.in into your browser, choose to check a challan, and enter your vehicle number or challan number. If nothing is pending there, the SMS is fake.

Does Parivahan send challans as an app on WhatsApp?

No. Any APK called RTO e-Challan or VAHAN Parivahan sent on WhatsApp is malware that can read your OTPs and empty your account.

I installed the challan app. What now?

Turn on flight mode, uninstall the app, call your bank to block cards and UPI, change your banking passwords from another phone, and report on 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.

Last reviewed 25 September 2026.