TNM (With ANI Inputs)
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Published On: Feb 27, 2026
ANI Photo | Fake e-challan SMS phishing scams target bank accounts
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has issued a warning about a surge in phishing frauds involving fake “e-challan” SMS messages targeting citizens.
Victims receive text messages claiming that a traffic e-challan has been issued against their vehicle, accompanied by a link urging immediate payment to avoid penalties. Clicking the link redirects users to a fraudulent website designed to closely resemble the official M-Parivahan portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Cyber experts explain, “This is where the phishing cycle begins.” The I4C explains that the fake site prompts users to enter personal details such as vehicle number, mobile number, OTP, and banking or card information under the pretext of paying the challan. “Once submitted, the data is harvested by cybercriminals, who then siphon off money from victims’ bank accounts or misuse their credentials for further fraud.”
The I4C has noted an increase in such SMS-based phishing campaigns, especially in urban locations where digital traffic enforcement systems are common. Fraudsters exploit the public’s familiarity with genuine e-challan systems to create panic and urgency, often warning of heavy fines or legal action if payment is not made promptly.
Officials have clarified, “legitimate e-challans are issued only through authorised government platforms, and citizens are advised to verify any such notice directly on official state traffic police websites or through the official Parivahan portal.” The alert emphasises that users should never click on suspicious links received via SMS, share OTPs, or disclose banking details on unverified websites.
The I4C urges citizens to report such incidents immediately through the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or via the cybercrime reporting portal to prevent further financial loss.
With phishing attacks becoming more sophisticated, the I4C warns that a single click on a fake “e-challan” link can lead to extensive digital fraud, highlighting the need for greater public awareness and caution.
In response to such frauds, last month the Ministry of Home Affairs “geo-blocked” command and control servers linked to the ‘Wingo’ app network to disrupt its operations, describing it as a “telecom mule as a service” platform offering earnings based on SMS tasks. Additionally, four Telegram channels with approximately 153,000 subscribers and over 53 related YouTube videos promoting the app were blocked as part of the ministry’s crackdown.
The I4C issued a public warning about the ‘Wingo’ app, stating, “Wingo App, which provides earnings based on SMS Task is a ‘Telecom Mule as a Service’ App, and that citizens are advised to refrain from using the same.” The I4C noted that several apps circulate fake links through SMS, advising the public to avoid downloading or using these applications. The centre also cautioned Android users to stay vigilant against such malicious apps.
The I4C, established by the Ministry of Home Affairs, provides a comprehensive and coordinated framework to address cybercrime in India. Acting as the central nodal agency for cybercrime matters, it collaborates closely with state and Union Territory law enforcement agencies.
The centre plays a crucial role in recognising emerging cyber threats, analysing cybercrime trends, and coordinating large-scale crackdowns on fraud networks operating via malicious apps, fake websites, mule accounts, and social media platforms. It also partners with telecom service providers, internet intermediaries, and global technology platforms to block illegal digital infrastructure such as phishing domains, fraudulent apps, and command and control servers used by cybercriminals.
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TNM (With ANI Inputs)
|
Feb 28, 2026
TNM (With ANI Inputs)
|
Feb 28, 2026
TNM (With ANI Inputs)
|
Feb 28, 2026
Home » Nation and Beyond » Fake e-challan SMS phishing scams target bank accounts
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This story is written by TNM Bureau with inputs from ANI. The News Mill is a Guwahati-based digital media with focus on content from across Northeast India and beyond. We can be reached through [email protected]

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