PSCA Issues Warning Over Rising Fake E-Challan SMS Scam Targeting Citizens
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) has issued an alert to citizens regarding an increase in fraudulent SMS messages posing as official e-challan notifications. The authority has urged the public to remain vigilant as scammers attempt to steal sensitive financial information through deceptive tactics.
According to a PSCA spokesperson, cybercriminals are sending fake messages from various mobile numbers, often containing malicious links designed to access banking credentials and personal data. These messages are being circulated widely, targeting unsuspecting users with claims of traffic violations and pending fines.
The authority clarified that official e-challan notifications are only issued through the designated shortcode “9915”. These authentic messages do not contain any links, nor do they require users to make payments through external websites or unofficial channels.
Citizens have been strongly advised not to click on any suspicious links or respond to unknown messages claiming to represent traffic enforcement agencies. Instead, they should verify any e-challan information directly through official government platforms or authorized channels.
The warning highlights the growing threat of digital fraud in Pakistan, where scammers are increasingly exploiting public awareness of government services to carry out phishing attacks. Authorities have emphasized the importance of digital literacy and cautious online behavior to prevent financial loss.
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority continues to work on improving urban surveillance and digital safety systems, while also educating citizens about cybercrime risks.
Officials have encouraged the public to report suspicious messages and help authorities track fraudulent networks. They also reiterated that no legitimate government service will request sensitive banking details via SMS links.
As digital services expand, cybersecurity awareness is becoming increasingly critical. Experts say that simple precautions, such as verifying sender IDs and avoiding unknown links, can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams.
The PSCA’s advisory serves as a timely reminder for citizens to stay alert and rely only on verified sources for official communications regarding traffic violations and payments.
