Overview
- Comedian Shridhar V shared that an SMS from a regular 10‑digit number used a shortened link to claim a speeding fine.
- The link opened echallan.pasvahan.icu, a misspelled clone of the official echallan.parivahan.gov.in portal with the Ashoka emblem and a ₹500 “Pay Now” prompt.
- The fake page displayed whatever vehicle or licence number users entered next to a fabricated challan to simulate real records.
- Hyderabad Police issued a fresh advisory noting a rise in such cases, and an IPS officer disclosed receiving similar fake messages.
- Authorities urge verifying traffic fines only on .gov.in sites or the official app, avoiding unsolicited links, and reporting suspicious texts, including via the Sanchar Saathi portal.