Wardha police warn of fake e-challan messages and APK files used to empty bank accounts
Cyber criminals are targeting motorists with false traffic-fine messages carrying malicious links and APK files, the district police said, and listed steps to stay safe.
Images are not validated/verified
The Wardha district police administration has appealed to the public to be careful about new methods of cyber fraud. According to the police, cyber criminals are now targeting motorists. A large number of cases are coming to light in which bank accounts are being emptied through fake e-challans and suspicious APK files.
The police explained how the fraud works. Cyber criminals send false messages about traffic violations to people's mobile phones by SMS, WhatsApp or email. The messages allege offences such as overspeeding, riding without a helmet or jumping a signal, and ask the recipient to pay a fine. A fake link, a QR code or an APK file is attached to the message.
When people, in haste or out of fear, click the link, install an unknown app or try to make an online payment, control of their phone passes into the hands of the cyber thieves. Bank details, UPI PIN, OTP and personal information are then stolen, and the entire balance in the account is withdrawn without the owner's knowledge.
The police have listed a few precautions. First, verify any information about a traffic challan only on a government, authorised website or an authorised mobile app. Do not trust any unauthorised link.
Second, never download or install an APK file or app received from an unknown source or an unknown number. Government departments never send an APK file directly and ask for a fine to be paid.
Third, do not share your UPI PIN, password, OTP or any bank details with anyone over the phone or by message. Fourth, if there is any doubt about a message, contact the nearest police station or the traffic branch office immediately and check the facts.
The police also listed the steps to take at once if a fraud has already happened. Keep the message received, screenshots and details of the bank transactions safe. Contact the authorised customer care of the bank concerned at once and have the bank account and the debit or credit card blocked.
In case of financial fraud, contact the national cyber helpline number 1930 without delay, or file a complaint online on the cybercrime.gov.in website. Also go to the nearest cyber police station or the local police station and give a written complaint immediately.
The police said all citizens of Wardha district should not trust suspicious e-challan links or messages sent by an unknown person or system. They should stay alert to protect themselves from cyber crime and use only authorised government sources.
