RTO Fraud Alert: Don’t Click ‘Pay Fine’ or ‘DL Suspension’ Links, Maharashtra Transport Department Warns
Pune, 7th September 2026: The Transport Department has warned motorists and vehicle owners against fraudulent websites, unauthorised APK applications and fake links circulated through SMS and WhatsApp in the name of the department.
Officials said such fraudulent links and applications are being used to cheat citizens financially and steal personal information while claiming to offer services related to driving licences, vehicle registration and e-challans.
The department has advised citizens to use only its official online platforms for transport-related services.
For vehicle registration, citizens should use VAHAN; for driving licence-related services, SARATHI; and for general transport services, Parivahan. For e-challan-related services, citizens should use the official NextGen eChallan portal.
The department clarified that RTO offices or the Transport Department do not send payment links through WhatsApp.
Citizens have been advised not to click on links contained in threatening messages such as “Pay the fine immediately” or “Your driving licence will be suspended.” They have also been warned against downloading unauthorised APK files with names such as RTO Services.apk, Parivahan_Update.apk and eChalan Pay.apk.
If citizens receive suspicious messages or links, they can report them through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or contact the cyber fraud helpline at 1930. Complaints can also be lodged at the nearest district cyber police station.
The Transport Department has urged vehicle owners and drivers to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of any communication before making payments or sharing personal information.
