Cybercriminals are using fake RTO challan messages to steal money from vehicle owners in Tiruchy. The messages arrive through WhatsApp and claim that recipients have unpaid traffic fines. They often contain fraudulent payment links or malicious APK files.
Tiruchy residents have reportedly lost between Rs. 1.2 crore and Rs. 1.6 crore since January. City police received 185 complaints during the past seven months. Officers record an average of 20 to 30 complaints each month.
Fake RTO Challan Scam Targets WhatsApp Users
Victims lose an estimated Rs. 15 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh every month through these scams. Police recover around 20% to 30% of the stolen money. Recovery mainly depends on how quickly victims report unauthorized transactions. Officers have made no arrests in these cases so far.
In one case, 37-year-old A Jayakumar from Thiruvanaikoil received a WhatsApp message on August 6. The message claimed that his vehicle had pending traffic fines. He clicked the attached payment link, after which Rs. 1 lakh left his bank account.
Another resident, 50-year-old B Mohamed Rafiq from Subramaniyapuram, received a similar message. He clicked the link and shared a one-time password. Fraudsters then withdrew Rs. 1.65 lakh from his account.
Meanwhile, two more Tiruchy residents lost Rs. 1 lakh each on August 10. Both victims had clicked links attached to fake RTO challan messages.
Victims Mistake Fraudulent Messages for Real Fines
Scammers design the messages to resemble official traffic penalty notices. Some messages include images that appear to show paid or pending challans. Others contain APK files that can install harmful software on Android phones.
A 48-year-old Tiruchy resident lost around Rs. 90,000 after trusting one such message. He expected any genuine traffic fine to cost between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 2,000.
“I received an RTO challan message on WhatsApp and believed it was genuine,” the resident said. Friends had previously told him that traffic authorities could send fine notices. Therefore, he clicked the link without checking its source.
Cybercrime officers said these scams target people across different age groups. Fraudsters send the messages randomly and wait for recipients to respond. Many victims fail to confirm their vehicle registration number before opening the link.
Police Advise Verification Through Official Channels
A Tiruchy City Cyber Crime Wing official warned that transport authorities do not send genuine challan messages through WhatsApp.
“People should not believe such messages or click on any links or download APK files received through WhatsApp,” the official said. “They should verify the challan through official government channels.”
Police also advised victims to report suspicious transactions immediately. Quick reporting allows banks and investigators to freeze transferred funds before fraudsters move the money. Delayed complaints reduce the chances of recovery.
Moreover, the Cyber Crime Wing conducts public awareness campaigns across Tiruchy. Officers organize about 20 programs every month at schools, colleges, tea shops, railway stations and bus stands.
Authorities have conducted around 150 awareness programs this year. They also share details about new cyber fraud methods through social media. Residents should avoid sharing OTPs and downloading unknown APK files from WhatsApp messages.
Disclaimer : Crypto News India does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
