Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Nov 13: The Goa Police has issued a strong warning to the public after several reports emerged of fraudulent WhatsApp messages being circulated using police logos and photographs, claiming to be official traffic challans. Authorities cautioned citizens against clicking on any links or downloading attachments from such messages, as they are part of a growing cyber scam network.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the department posted:

“FAKE CHALLAN ALERT! Scammers are sending fake traffic challans via WhatsApp using police logos/photos. Don’t click any links or share details or download any .apk file. Verify challan only on echallan.parivahan.gov.in. Report at 1930 / cybercrime.gov.in.”

The alert was issued after a social media user tagged both Goa Police and Maharashtra Police, reporting that he had received two fake challan notices within ten days from different numbers. The user claimed that one fake profile used an image of a Maharashtra Police officer, while another used a personal photo to appear authentic.

Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and verify any traffic violation notices only through the official government website — echallan.parivahan.gov.in.

“Citizens must not respond to such messages or click on any suspicious links. These scams are designed to steal personal data or install malware,” a Goa Police spokesperson said, adding that victims can report such incidents on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or by calling 1930.

The department reiterated its commitment to tackling cyber fraud and assured that efforts are underway to trace the origin of such fake messages circulating across the state.