Nagpur Alert: Cybercriminals Sending Fake Challans via WhatsApp to Steal Data

Nagpur: A disturbing new scam has surfaced in Nagpur, where cyber fraudsters are circulating fake traffic challans via WhatsApp, tricking citizens into downloading malicious files that compromise their personal and financial data.

A Close Call for One Vigilant Citizen

Manish, a resident of Nagpur, recently received a seemingly official WhatsApp message claiming he had violated traffic rules and owed a fine of ₹2,000. Shockingly, the notice mentioned his actual car registration number and included a formal-looking challan ID.

“The message came at 5:16 PM,” Manish recalled. “It looked genuine — my car number was there, and the message had the traffic police logo and an official-sounding tone. But I hadn’t taken my car out all day. It was parked outside my house.”

Alarmed, Manish reviewed CCTV footage and confirmed that his vehicle hadn’t moved. On inspecting the message more closely, he noticed an attached APK file — a type of Android app that, once downloaded, can steal data from mobile devices.

“Thankfully, I didn’t click it,” Manish said. “I remembered reading about similar frauds online. I immediately reported the incident to the police and shared all the details with the ACP.”
 

A Dangerous Trend Gaining Ground
 

What makes this scam especially dangerous is its realistic presentation. From forged traffic police profile photos to accurate car numbers and convincing message formatting, the fraudsters are leveraging every psychological trick to appear legitimate.

According to cybercrime officials, these criminals are not only impersonating traffic authorities but also pretending to be from banks and toll agencies, sending panic-inducing messages about fines or overdue payments to pressure recipients into quick action.

 

Police Issue Strong Warning

Deputy Commissioner of Police Lohit Matani, who heads Nagpur’s Cyber Cell, issued a video advisory following multiple complaints from affected citizens. He cited a case where a woman clicked a similar APK file and soon after, a large sum of money was withdrawn from her account.

“These APK files are not just apps — they are spyware,” DCP Matani warned. “Once installed, they grant the scammer full access to your device, including your bank apps, SMS inbox, OTPs, and even personal photos.”

Matani emphasized that real traffic challans are only sent via the government’s official SMS channels or through the Parivahan portal. WhatsApp is not an authorized medium for e-challan communication.

 

Stay Safe: Key Precautions for Citizens
 

• Never download APK files from unverified sources.
• Check challan status only on the official Parivahan portal.
• If you receive a suspicious message, report it immediately to the cybercrime helpline 1930 or visit your nearest cyber police station.
• Avoid clicking on links that appear in random messages, even if they look official.

Conclusion: Awareness is the First Line of Defense

As cybercriminals become increasingly sophisticated, public awareness and caution remain critical. With scams targeting everyday citizens through platforms like WhatsApp, even a momentary lapse in judgment can lead to severe consequences.

By staying alert and verifying information through official channels, citizens can outsmart fraudsters and help protect their communities from digital exploitation.