New Delhi, Sept. 8 -- A WhatsApp message claiming that you have an unpaid Rs.5,000 traffic challan could be an attempt to steal your money or personal information. Fraudsters are increasingly using fake e-Challan notices, payment links and malicious APK files to make messages appear as though they have been issued by traffic authorities.

The safest way to check whether a traffic fine is genuine is to verify it directly through the official e-Challan portal, rather than clicking on a link received on WhatsApp. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways warns users about fraudulent websites and mobile applications impersonating its e-Challan service and says the official platform should be accessed directly.

A typical scam message claims...