Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Police have issued a public advisory warning citizens about fake traffic challan messages being circulated on WhatsApp by scammers using police logos and photographs. The department cautioned people not to click on any suspicious links, share personal details, or download attachments, especially files ending with “.apk,” as these could contain malware designed to steal personal information.
In a post on X, the police said, “Fake challan alert! Scammers are sending fake traffic challans via WhatsApp using police logos/photos. Don’t click any links or share details or download any .apk file. Verify challan only on echallan.parivahan.gov.in. Report at 1930 / cybercrime.gov.in.”
The alert follows a complaint from a social media user who tagged both the Goa and Maharashtra Police, reporting that he had received two fake challan notices within ten days from different phone numbers. According to the user, one of the fake profiles used the Maharashtra Police logo, while the other featured a personal photograph to appear genuine.
The Goa Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and to verify all traffic challan notices only through the official government portal. Officials reiterated that genuine traffic challans are never sent via WhatsApp and advised citizens to report any such fraudulent messages to the national cybercrime helpline or portal immediately.
