The Karachi Traffic Police have issued a public advisory warning citizens about a growing e-challan scam in which fraudsters are sending fake text messages while impersonating the department’s official 1915 helpline.
Authorities have urged motorists to remain cautious, avoid clicking suspicious links, and verify any traffic fine notifications through official channels before making payments.
According to the Karachi Traffic Police, scammers are circulating deceptive SMS messages that falsely claim recipients have committed traffic violations. These messages typically instruct users to pay fines immediately through fraudulent links designed to steal personal or financial information.
The fake notifications are made to appear authentic by using language similar to official traffic alerts and, in some cases, by pretending to originate from the Traffic Police’s official helpline.
Police officials emphasized that these fraudulent messages are not issued by the Karachi Traffic Police. Citizens have been advised not to trust any payment request received through unverified links or unofficial websites.
Authorities warned that clicking on these fake links could expose users to phishing attacks, allowing cybercriminals to obtain sensitive information such as banking details, passwords, or personal identification data.
The department has encouraged motorists to verify any e-challan notifications using official government platforms or by contacting the Traffic Police through their verified communication channels. Any suspicious messages should be ignored and reported to the relevant authorities.
Cybersecurity experts also advise users to avoid sharing personal or financial information in response to unsolicited text messages. Official government agencies generally do not ask citizens to make payments through unknown third-party links sent via SMS.
The warning comes amid a rise in online fraud and digital scams targeting smartphone users across Pakistan. As more public services become available online, scammers are increasingly attempting to exploit public trust by creating convincing fake messages.
The Karachi Traffic Police reiterated that public awareness remains one of the most effective ways to combat cyber fraud. Motorists are encouraged to stay vigilant, verify all traffic-related notifications, and educate family members about common online scams.
By exercising caution and relying only on official sources for traffic fine verification and payments, citizens can reduce the risk of becoming victims of phishing attempts and financial fraud.
