Cyber Fraud Alert: Scammers Exploit HSRP Mandate With Fake Websites In Pune; Citizens Advised To Stay Vigilant
Pune, 21st February 2025: Cybercriminals have devised a new scheme to deceive citizens following the government’s mandate on High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP). Fraudsters have created fake websites to swindle money from vehicle owners, exploiting the urgency surrounding the new regulation.
As per the government directive, all vehicles manufactured before 2019 must install HSRP number plates by 30th April. Around 25 lakh vehicles in Maharashtra fall under this mandate, requiring vehicle owners to complete an online application and payment process. However, cyber fraudsters have seized this opportunity, luring unsuspecting citizens into scams through fraudulent websites.
The issue was flagged during a training session at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) on Thursday, where representatives from vehicle manufacturers and transport associations reported cases of citizens being duped. In response, the Pune RTO has urged citizens to only use the official government website to book their number plates and avoid falling prey to cyber scams.
HSRP has been mandatory for new vehicles since 1st April 2019, and now, the state’s Transport Department has extended the requirement to older vehicles. To facilitate the process, three private agencies have been appointed across Maharashtra, with Rosemarta handling operations in Pune. The agency has designated 69 authorized fitment centers where citizens can get their plates installed after completing the online procedure.
With only two months left for compliance, the installation process has been slow, with just 8,000 to 9,000 vehicles fitted with HSRP plates so far. Exploiting this delay, cybercriminals have launched fake websites to collect payments from unsuspecting applicants. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about the inadequate number of fitment centers in Pune, with transport association representative Eknath Dhole calling for an increase in these facilities.
To ensure safe registration, Pune Regional Transport Officer Archana Gaikwad has advised citizens to visit the official Transport Department website at transport.maharashtra.gov.in. She emphasized that applicants should click on ‘HSRP Online Booking,’ select the relevant RTO, and follow the official process to avoid fraud.
The public awareness workshop on the issue was attended by Deputy Regional Transport Officer Swapnil Bhosale, Rosemarta Company President Anurag Chaudhary, Assistant Regional Transport Officer Yuvraj Patil, Amar Desai, along with RTO officials and representatives from various vehicle dealerships. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activity related to HSRP registration.
