Fake Traffic Challan Alerts in Kolkata: Kolkata Police have issued a strong warning to residents after several cases emerged of citizens receiving fake traffic challan alerts through SMS and WhatsApp messages. These fraudulent notifications, designed to look like official messages, are tricking people into clicking on malicious links and making online payments to cybercriminals.
The warning comes at a time when digital scams are proliferating across India, targeting unsuspecting citizens who are gradually adapting to online payment systems and app-based government services. Police officials say that these scams not only lead to financial loss but also risk exposing personal and banking data to criminal networks.
How the Fake Traffic Challan Scam Works
According to police, the scam begins with victims receiving an SMS or WhatsApp message that closely resembles official communication from the traffic department. The message usually contains:
- A challan number that looks genuine.
- A small fine amount (₹500–₹2,000) to make the request believable.
- A fake payment link, often resembling government portals.
Once users click the link, they are redirected to a fraudulent payment page where they are asked to enter sensitive details such as credit/debit card numbers, CVV, UPI IDs, or net banking credentials.
Cybersecurity experts note that in some cases, these links also install malware on mobile devices, allowing scammers to track keystrokes, steal OTPs, and remotely access bank accounts.
Fake Traffic Challan Alerts in Kolkata: Police Advisory to Citizens
The Kolkata Traffic Police have categorically stated that they do not send challan payment links via SMS or WhatsApp. Instead, all official challan details and payments must be accessed only through:
- The Parivahan Sewa portal – https://parivahan.gov.in
- The West Bengal Transport Department website – https://transport.wb.gov.in
Police have urged citizens to:
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links.
- Cross-check challan details only on official portals.
- Report fraudulent messages to cyber police stations.
- Spread awareness among family and community groups.
A senior officer remarked, “Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated every day. We urge people not to panic when they receive such messages. Always verify before making any payment.”
Growing Menace of Cyber Frauds in Kolkata
Kolkata has witnessed a significant rise in cybercrime cases over the past five years. With increasing smartphone penetration and digital transactions becoming part of everyday life, cybercriminals are targeting residents more aggressively.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) (source), financial fraud via digital platforms is among the fastest-growing categories of crime in metropolitan cities. Cyber police units in Kolkata receive dozens of complaints daily, ranging from UPI scams and phishing emails to fake investment schemes and fraudulent e-commerce websites.
The fake challan alert scam is particularly dangerous because it exploits people’s fear of legal penalties. Many victims, worried about pending fines or legal consequences, rush to make payments without proper verification.
Real Stories of Victims
Several Salt Lake and New Town residents have already reported receiving such fake alerts. One IT professional recounted how he nearly paid ₹1,000 through a fraudulent portal before noticing that the website address was slightly misspelled.
Another victim, a senior citizen from Behala, said she clicked on a link and entered her debit card details. Within minutes, ₹20,000 was siphoned from her account. Fortunately, she reported it quickly, and her bank was able to freeze further transactions.
Cyber experts warn that elderly citizens and less tech-savvy users are especially vulnerable to such scams.
Expert Warnings and Cybersecurity Measures
Cybersecurity experts emphasize that phishing scams work because they exploit human psychology. By creating urgency — such as a fake challan warning — scammers reduce the time victims take to verify authenticity.
Experts recommend:
- Checking website URLs carefully — official sites end with .gov.in and use secure HTTPS encryption.
- Not saving card details on browsers or third-party apps.
- Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for all financial accounts.
- Using secure payment methods like UPI apps linked to official government portals.
For awareness campaigns, experts suggest that traffic departments should also regularly publicize their official communication channels so citizens know where to look for authentic information.
Government and Institutional Response
The Ministry of Home Affairs has already launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in) where victims of such frauds can file complaints online.
Additionally, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regularly issues advisories reminding citizens never to share OTPs or card details, and to treat all unsolicited payment links with suspicion.
The West Bengal police cyber cell has also intensified its digital surveillance to track down groups operating such scams. Officials say that many of these fraud networks operate from outside the state, making investigation complex but not impossible.
Public Awareness as the Key Defense
The biggest weapon against cyber fraud, according to experts, is awareness. Unlike traditional crimes, digital scams require minimal physical evidence and can be executed across borders, making detection and prosecution difficult.
Community awareness programs — including workshops in schools, IT hubs, and resident welfare associations — are being recommended to strengthen digital literacy. Kolkata Police has also hinted at launching a public campaign on cyber hygiene in the coming months.
Broader Trend: Rise of Phishing in India
The Salt Lake fake challan alert scam is not unique to Kolkata. Similar scams have been reported in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, pointing to a nationwide trend.
A recent report by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) (source) highlighted that phishing and fraudulent links accounted for a large percentage of cyber incidents in 2024. The trend is expected to grow further as scammers refine their techniques.
Conclusion: Staying Safe in the Digital Era
The fake traffic challan scam is a stark reminder that cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit technology and human psychology. While police and government agencies are tightening surveillance and strengthening cyber laws, the onus also lies on citizens to remain vigilant.
As Kolkata grows into a bustling digital hub with its IT sector and expanding smart city infrastructure, cybersecurity must be treated as a shared responsibility. Protecting oneself requires not just strong laws and enforcement but also everyday caution, awareness, and digital discipline.
Useful External References
- Kolkata Traffic Police (official challan info): https://kolkatatrafficpolice.gov.in
- Parivahan Sewa Portal: https://parivahan.gov.in
- West Bengal Transport Department: https://transport.wb.gov.in
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: https://cybercrime.gov.in
- CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team): https://www.cert-in.org.in
- NCRB Crime Data: https://ncrb.gov.in
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