With the implementation of the e-challan system by the Ludhiana police, cyber fraudsters have also become active. AI-based cameras installed at 46 locations to monitor traffic violations are now being misused by the miscreants. Under the garb of the new system, they are sending fake e-challan messages to random people and tricking them into downloading malicious apps on their mobiles.
According to the police, many residents of the city have received such messages. The messages, under the pretext of paying a challan, ask users to download an APK file or click on a link to an unknown app. As soon as the file is downloaded, it consumes mobile data and gives control of the phone to cyber criminals. The fraudsters can then steal sensitive information related to bank accounts, UPI and credit cards.
After the cases came to light, the Ludhiana police released a video message to alert the public. The police clarified that correct e-challan information should only be accessed through the official platform of the Transport Department or the official transport app. People have been advised not to trust any links, apps or files received from unknown numbers.
Police officials have appealed to citizens to remain alert and report if they get any suspicious message to the cyber helpline or the nearest police station.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Jatin Bansal said with the launch of the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), the Ludhiana police have been issuing e-challans through AI cameras. Nine types of traffic violations were being detected, including driving without a helmet, pillion rider without helmet, triple riding, overspeeding, zebra crossing violation, wrong-side driving and wrong parking.
“Whenever a traffic violation is captured and a challan is generated, an official message is sent to the vehicle owner along with a link for payment. One can also check the challan status on Parivahan app or other credible apps available on digital space. Now, some cyber miscreants are sending messages to random people with APK files or virus-infected links. Once clicked, financial apps may get compromised and cyber fraudsters may steal money,” Bansal said.
The ACP also shared an awareness video on the official Ludhiana police social media page and urged the people to avoid clicking on suspicious links. He advised that before clicking on any link claiming to be an e-challan, it should be verified through official channels.
