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New Fraud in the Name of Traffic Fines! Vehicle Owners Targeted with Fake Parivahan SMS, Here's How to Stay Safe
Siddhi Jain | January 24, 2026 3:15 PM CST

A new cyber scam is rapidly spreading in India, targeting bike and car owners. This time, fraudsters are trying to trap people by impersonating the government's 'Parivahan' portal.

The scam involves sending SMS messages to users, threatening them with traffic fines and providing a fake link that can lead to significant losses if clicked.

How the Fake Parivahan Challan Scam Works

In this scam, people receive an SMS from an unknown mobile number, often starting with +91. The message states that they have violated traffic rules and must pay a fine immediately; legal action will be taken. The link sent with the SMS looks like a government website, but is actually completely fake.

Fake Parivahan-like Link is Trapping Victims

The fraudsters use words similar to the real name, such as Prairvahsan or similar spellings, so that people don't notice the difference in a hurry. The link's design also resembles the government portal, making it difficult to suspect at first glance. Cybercriminals exploit this haste and fear.

Clicking the Link Can Lead to Major Losses

If someone clicks on the link, they may be asked for login details, bank information, or saved card data. In many cases, malware can also be installed on the phone, leading to unauthorized bank transactions. A small mistake can cost you your entire savings.

What to Do Immediately if You Receive Such an SMS

If you receive such a traffic fine SMS on your phone, first and foremost, do not click on the link, no matter how urgent the message seems. Immediately block and report the number and delete the message. Do not reply or call back. How to verify genuine challan information

If you suspect you may have received a traffic challan, check the information yourself on the official Parivahan website or contact your nearest RTO directly. Checking the details manually on the government portal is the safest way, rather than trusting any unknown links.

How to stay safe from such traffic frauds

Do not blindly trust messages about traffic fines received via SMS, WhatsApp, or social media. Always verify the challan number and vehicle details on the official government website. Remember, a little carelessness can lead to significant financial loss, so vigilance is your best defense.


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