The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) has issued a public alert after receiving several complaints from citizens about fraudulent e-challan text messages being circulated through unauthorized mobile numbers. Authorities say scammers are attempting to deceive people by sending fake traffic violation notifications that appear similar to official messages. The advisory urges the public to remain cautious when receiving such messages and to avoid interacting with suspicious links or payment instructions that may appear in these texts.
According to a spokesperson for PSCA, a number of fraudulent SMS notifications have recently been reported by residents across Punjab. These messages are being sent from the number 8070 and falsely claim to inform recipients about pending e-challans related to traffic violations. The spokesperson clarified that this number is not associated with the official e-challan system. Citizens were informed that legitimate e-challan notifications issued by the Punjab government are sent only from the designated number 9915. Any message sent from a different number that claims to represent the official e-challan system should be treated with caution. The authority explained that scammers are exploiting the growing reliance on digital services by imitating official communication channels in order to trick individuals into sharing personal or financial information.
PSCA also highlighted that Safe City officials never request payments through SMS messages or ask individuals to provide sensitive financial details through text links. The spokesperson emphasized that government departments do not seek cash transfers, bank account details, or debit or credit card information through such communication. Citizens were strongly advised not to click on unknown or suspicious links contained in these fraudulent messages, as they may lead to fake websites designed to collect financial data or personal credentials. Authorities warned that engaging with these links could expose individuals to financial fraud or identity misuse. Public awareness and careful verification of official communication channels were described as important steps to prevent falling victim to such scams.
In addition to warning about suspicious payment requests, PSCA explained how citizens can identify legitimate e-challan notifications. An authentic message from the official system always includes complete details of the traffic violation. This information typically includes the exact time when the violation occurred, the location where the offense was recorded, and a clear description of the nature of the traffic violation. Messages lacking these specific details or directing users to unfamiliar websites should be treated as potential scams. Officials stressed that the public should rely only on verified government communication channels when dealing with traffic fines or any other official notification related to law enforcement or civic services.
Authorities further encouraged citizens to report any suspicious or fraudulent messages immediately so that action can be taken against those involved in the scam. Individuals who receive such texts can contact the Emergency Helpline at 15 or report the incident to FIA Cyber Crime Wing. Officials believe that timely reporting will help authorities track the source of these fraudulent campaigns and protect more people from becoming victims. PSCA reiterated that public vigilance remains essential in combating digital fraud, especially as scammers continue to use increasingly convincing methods to impersonate official systems and mislead unsuspecting citizens.
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