Hyderabad Traffic Police warns against fake e-challan websites
Hyderabad: Hyderabad Traffic Police have issued a caution to the public about fake traffic e-challan websites circulating online. They urged citizens to make payments only through the official website: echallan.tspolice.gov.in.
The police warned that fraudulent websites like http://echallanstspolice.in/ are being used to collect payments illegally. “Do not make payments on any fake online platforms. The genuine site for traffic e-challan payments is https://echallan.tspolice.gov.in,” the police announced on social media platform X.
Citizens are advised to report any fake websites to the Cyber Crime Police Station, Hyderabad City Police, or dial 1930.
In a recent case, a 49-year-old retired Lieutenant Colonel from Hyderabad lost over ₹1.2 lakh after falling victim to a cyber fraud. On July 6, 2025, he received a WhatsApp message claiming to be from a traffic enforcement agency, alleging his car violated traffic rules and demanding a ₹1,000 fine. The message included an Android application file named e-parivahan.apk to view violation details.
Trusting the message, the victim downloaded and installed the APK file. Within ten minutes, unauthorized transactions appeared on his SBI credit card, ₹60,104 via Amazon Pay India Pvt Ltd and ₹60,305 through Amazon.in, totaling ₹1,20,409.
The victim filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Police Station, stating the APK was malicious and accessed his banking information without consent.
Public Advisory:
- Never download APK files from unknown or unverified sources, especially through messaging apps.
- Government departments do not send APK files for traffic fines or official notices.
- Verify traffic violation claims directly on official Transport Department or Traffic Police websites.
- Inform family members, especially senior citizens, about such scams.
- Keep records of all related messages, calls, and transactions.
Victims of such frauds should immediately call 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in to report. For urgent assistance, contact 8712665171 via call or WhatsApp.