Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Dec 20: Vehicle owners can pay fines related to traffic rule violations only through the Parivahan website or Karnataka One centres, and there are no mobile applications for paying traffic fines, Mangaluru city police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy has clarified.
With the government implementing a scheme to allow payment of traffic fines at discounted rates, some cyber fraudsters have become active. They have been sending links to people, claiming that fines can be paid by installing an APK file through the link. Once the app is downloaded, the mobile phone gets hacked. Not only do fraudsters gain access to all the information stored on the phone, but they also transfer money from bank accounts using OTPs, thereby cheating victims. Within the city limits, two persons have already lost money after downloading such apps.
Police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy
Fraudsters are also sending fake websites and fake payment links to vehicle owners through SMS, WhatsApp, email and other social media platforms, falsely claiming that these links help in paying e-challan fines. If vehicle owners use these links, their personal details and bank information fall into the hands of fraudsters. Hence, the police have urged the public to remain cautious.
The police have advised the public not to click on suspicious links received through SMS, WhatsApp and other social media platforms. OTPs, bank details, passwords and similar sensitive information should not be shared with anyone. Citizens have also been cautioned not to trust any unauthorised messages claiming that traffic fines can be paid at discounted rates.
Police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy reiterated that neither the police department nor the government has released any app for paying fines related to traffic rule violations. Fines can be paid only through the Parivahan website, Karnataka One centres or police stations. Clicking on unauthorised links can lead to loss of personal and banking information, and hence the public must remain alert.
If such suspicious links are received, the public can inform the Mangaluru city police control room by calling or sending a message to the WhatsApp number 9480802321. The police have also advised citizens to contact the National Cyber Helpline 1930 for assistance.