Punjab Warns Public About Fake E-Challan Scam Messages

Citizens across Punjab have begun reporting fraudulent e-challan text messages, prompting the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) to issue a public warning about the growing scam. The authority urged residents to remain cautious and avoid responding to suspicious links or payment requests.

A PSCA spokesperson stated that the authority never asks for bank details, account information, or cash payments through SMS. Authentic e-challan alerts, the spokesperson said, are issued only from the official government number 8070.

Scammers are sending misleading texts that mimic official notifications, attempting to trick people into clicking on unsafe links or paying fines through fake platforms. Officials stressed that all PSCA services remain free and that no citizen should send money through any unverified message.

The authority advised recipients of questionable texts to immediately report them to the police helpline 15 or the FIA Cyber Wing. Genuine e-challan messages always contain verifiable information, including the violation type, time, and location.

PSCA has also filed a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to trace and prosecute those involved in creating fake websites and cloning official digital platforms. Officials said strict action will follow against anyone misusing the authority’s name to defraud the public.