Cybercriminals Using Phishing Links to Steal Personal and Financial Data
Shillong, January 12 : The Office of the Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, Shillong, has issued an urgent advisory warning citizens about a growing wave of fake e-challan scams being circulated via SMS, WhatsApp, and email.
According to the advisory, cybercriminals are sending fraudulent messages claiming pending traffic violations and demanding immediate online payment. These messages often contain malicious links that can lead to financial fraud, identity theft, or malware installation. Fraudsters have reportedly used fake challan threats, phishing websites mimicking government portals, and urgent payment messages such as “pay immediately to avoid penalty.”
The police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and follow essential cyber safety measures:
- Do not click on suspicious links received via SMS, WhatsApp, or email.
- Verify challans only through official government websites such as the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways portal: https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/payment-verification.
- Check the sender’s authenticity, as genuine e-challans are issued only from verified government IDs.
- Never share sensitive details like OTPs, CVV, PIN, Aadhaar, or bank information.
- Avoid payments via QR codes or unfamiliar links.
- Update mobile devices regularly with security patches and antivirus protection.
The public is advised to:
- Ignore and delete such messages without forwarding them.
- Report fraud to the Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or visit www.cybercrime.gov.in.
- Verify any challan with the local traffic police if necessary.
- If payments or clicks have already occurred, immediately block bank accounts or UPI IDs and contact the bank’s customer service.
Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, IPS, emphasized that government departments never request urgent payments or sensitive information via random links. The advisory concluded with a strong reminder:
“Stay Alert, Stay Safe. Protect yourself from online fraud and report any suspicious activity immediately.”
