Fake e-challan scams: Mangaluru motorists lose Rs 44 lakh; police issue warning

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 31, 2026: The Mangaluru City Police have issued a public advisory warning motorists against cyber fraudsters using fake traffic e-challan payment messages, suspicious links and APK files to cheat unsuspecting vehicle owners.

According to Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH, fraudsters are circulating messages claiming to collect fines for traffic violations in Mangaluru. People who click on these links or download attached APK files risk losing money to cybercriminals.

As many as eight cases of such fraud have been registered at various police stations in Mangaluru City this year, with victims collectively losing Rs 44 lakh, the Commissioner said.

The police have urged motorists to check pending traffic violations and e-challan details only through the official government portal, https://echallan.parivahan.nic.in, and make payments exclusively through authorised platforms.

People receiving suspicious e-challan messages through SMS or WhatsApp should verify their authenticity by contacting or visiting the nearest traffic police station.

For e-challan notices received through post, payments should be made through the official Mangalore One or Karnataka One websites or mobile applications, or at the nearest traffic police station.

The Commissioner has cautioned the public against downloading APK files from unknown sources, clicking on suspicious links or sharing bank account details, debit or credit card information, OTPs and other personal details through links claiming to facilitate e-challan payments.

The police have also warned that websites should not be trusted merely because their URLs begin with ’https://’, as fraudulent websites can closely imitate official government portals.

For clarification or verification of suspicious e-challan messages, the public can contact Mangaluru City Police at 0824-2220823.