Police in Lucknow and other Indian cities have raised alarms over a malicious WhatsApp scheme where users receive traffic challan alerts that appear authentic complete with vehicle numbers and fine details. These fraudulent messages include a link to download an APK file (such as “mParivahan.apk”) that masquerades as a legitimate app. Once installed, the malware grants attackers full access to your phone, exposing banking data, messages, and personal files.

This evolving scam has already caused significant financial losses across the country. In Coimbatore, one victim lost over ₹1 lakh after downloading a fake app; in Bhavnagar, a user lost ₹5.77 lakh after installing a similarly disguised APK.

Cybercrime detectives simplify their warning: never click on unidentified links or install apps sent via WhatsApp, especially those in APK format. To safely check challan status, always use the official Parivahan portal or your RTO’s authorized channels. If you're targeted, immediately contact the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or file a complaint online. Vigilance is your best defense in the digital age.