Citizens across Punjab have reported receiving fake e-challan SMS messages, prompting authorities to issue warnings about potential online scams.
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) advised residents to remain vigilant, clarifying that it never requests cash, bank, or account details via SMS.
Legitimate e-challan notifications are only sent from the official Punjab government number, 8070.
Scammers try to steal money by tricking citizens into clicking suspicious links, but all PSCA services for residents remain free.
A PSCA spokesperson instructed citizens to immediately contact 15 or the (FIA Cyber Wing if they receive suspicious messages.
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Genuine e-challan alerts always include details such as the time, location, and relevant violation information.
Authorities warned that strict action will be taken against those attempting to commit fraud under the PSCA name.
A complaint has been filed with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to identify individuals cloning the authority’s official website.
Security experts warn cybercriminals now use “SMS blasters,” devices mimicking cell towers to send mass fake messages rapidly.
Once connected, these devices can send up to 100,000 texts per hour, flooding neighborhoods with phishing messages, making vigilance essential.
