Fake E-Challan Links Scam Drivers in Pune; Transport Dept Issues Immediate Advisory
Pune, 11th December 2025: The Transport Commissionerate of Maharashtra has issued a warning to drivers after a surge in fraud cases involving fake messages on mobile apps, WhatsApp, and SMS. Drivers have reportedly been misled with false links claiming to offer services related to vehicle registration, driving licenses, e-challans, and other transport-related transactions, leading to financial losses.
In response, the Transport Commissionerate has released a circular advising drivers to use only official government websites for all transport-related services and to avoid paying fines or fees through links received via third-party apps or messages.
“All work of the Transport Department is available through official online portals,” said Shailesh Kamat, Joint Transport Commissioner. “This includes driving tests, fee payments, vehicle license renewal, e-challan fines, vehicle registration, tax payments, and transactions when buying or selling vehicles. These are all secured and provided directly on government websites at both central and state levels.”
The Commissionerate noted that private companies are increasingly launching apps, websites, and links claiming to provide similar services. Many of these send fraudulent messages urging drivers to pay fines within a set time, threatening legal action or vehicle seizure. If users access these links, their personal, banking, and mobile information can be stolen, resulting in financial fraud.
To avoid being scammed, the Transport Department has listed the official websites:
Vehicle Registration (Vahan): https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in
Driving License Services (Sarathi): https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
Transport Services: https://www.parivahan.gov.in
E-Challan Fine Payment: https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in
Officials stressed that all genuine government websites end with “.gov.in”. Any links ending with “.com, .online, .site, .in” are private and not affiliated with the Transport Department. Citizens are urged not to open such links.
“Messages stating, ‘Your vehicle fine is pending; pay immediately or your vehicle will be seized,’ or ‘Your driving license is about to be suspended’ are fraudulent. The Transport Department never uses WhatsApp to collect fees or fines,” Kamat added.
The Commissionerate has asked citizens to remain vigilant and verify all links before making any payments, following numerous complaints of financial fraud in recent months.
