In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a Ghaziabad man was arrested for impersonating an RTO officer and duping unsuspecting vehicle owners. The accused, Ashish Sharma, 38, allegedly posed as a Regional Transport Office (RTO) official and demanded payments from commercial vehicle owners for fake challans.
According to Delhi Police, the accused would call his targets pretending to be an RTO officer. He claimed that their commercial vehicles had unpaid challans and warned that their vehicle permits would be cancelled if fines were not paid immediately. This threat forced several victims to pay large sums without verification.
How the scam unfolded
The matter came to light after a victim lodged a police complaint. He had transferred ₹12,500 online under pressure, believing it was a genuine challan fine. When he later realized he had been duped, he approached the police. This triggered a detailed investigation, leading to the arrest of Ashish Sharma.
The police tracked Sharma using bank transaction records and call detail analysis. After identifying his location in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad, a team apprehended him from his residence. The Ghaziabad man arrested for impersonating RTO officer had been running this scam for several months, officials said.
Access to vehicle data helped him target victims
Sharma’s background helped him execute the fraud effectively. During interrogation, he revealed that he had previously worked as a private agent at the Ghaziabad RTO office. This role had given him access to a treasure trove of vehicle registration data, especially older records stored in unsecured areas.
He used this information to shortlist commercial vehicle owners and cross-referenced them using an online mobile app that provides basic vehicle details. By exploiting this loophole, he built trust and created a false sense of urgency during calls.
To enhance his impersonation, Sharma used fake caller IDs that displayed government logos. He also uploaded images of police officers as his display pictures on messaging apps to appear credible. The Ghaziabad man arrested for impersonating RTO officer left no stone unturned in making his identity look legitimate.
Evidence recovered during the arrest
Upon arrest, Delhi Police recovered two mobile phones and several bank account kits from the accused. These kits were used to receive and transfer defrauded money quickly. Investigators are now checking if these accounts were used to route money from multiple victims.
The police believe that more victims may come forward as the news spreads. Several bank accounts under Sharma’s control are being scanned for suspicious activity. Authorities are also verifying whether he acted alone or had any accomplices.
Public awareness critical to preventing such frauds
Cyber fraud cases involving impersonation are becoming increasingly common. Officials stress that citizens should never transfer money to individuals claiming to be government officers without verification. Genuine RTO fines can be checked and paid only through official portals like parivahan.gov.in.
Official site of Ministry of Road Transport & Highways : Parivahan
The police urge the public to cross-check such calls and not fall for threats of permit cancellation. The Ghaziabad man arrested for impersonating RTO officer used fear and urgency to trap victims—two classic tools of scammers. Avoiding panic and double-checking details can prevent such incidents.
Legal action and further investigation
Delhi Police have booked Sharma under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to cheating, identity fraud, and impersonation of a public servant. Cybercrime units are now involved to explore the digital trail and recover possible stolen amounts.
Investigators are also trying to identify whether Sharma sold any vehicle data or used it for further scams. The Ghaziabad man arrested for impersonating RTO officer may have violated data privacy laws, and such leads will be explored in the coming days.
A senior police officer involved in the case said, “We are investigating all angles. This is not just a local fraud; it potentially involves illegal data access and impersonation at a larger scale.”
Lessons from the case
This case serves as a reminder that even individuals with partial knowledge of a government system can exploit it for fraud. The Ghaziabad man arrested for impersonating RTO officer had limited access to data, but it was enough to create a believable scam. Authorities at transport offices need to ensure data security and restrict access to sensitive information.
Moreover, the public must become aware of such tactics. Scam calls are becoming more sophisticated. Victims are often chosen based on accurate personal data, making it difficult to suspect foul play immediately.
The arrest of Ashish Sharma is a step forward in the fight against cyber and identity fraud. However, officials believe that many more such scammers operate across the country. While this particular Ghaziabad man arrested for impersonating RTO officer is now behind bars, public vigilance remains the best defense.
Police continue to investigate whether other similar scams have been conducted using the same technique. Anyone who has received suspicious RTO-related calls should report them to the nearest cybercrime cell.
