The Karachi Traffic Police have warned citizens about a new wave of fake text messages and fraudulent e-challan notifications. According to the department, scammers are impersonating the official 1915 helpline to trick people into paying fake traffic fines.
The warning comes as fraudsters continue to target mobile phone users with deceptive SMS messages. These messages falsely claim that the recipient has violated traffic rules and must pay a fine immediately.
The Karachi Traffic Police said the fake messages often include links that appear to lead to an official payment portal. However, these links are designed to steal personal information or collect money through fraudulent websites.
Authorities have advised the public not to click on any suspicious links received through SMS. Citizens should also avoid responding to messages that demand immediate payment without proper verification.
The department stressed that official e-challan notifications are sent only through authorized channels. Any message received from an unknown source should be treated with caution until its authenticity has been confirmed.
The Karachi Traffic Police also urged people not to share personal details, bank account information, debit or credit card numbers, passwords, or one-time verification codes with anyone claiming to represent the department through unofficial messages.
Officials explained that cybercriminals often use the names of government institutions to gain public trust. Fake e-challan notifications are one of the latest methods being used to deceive citizens into making unauthorized payments.
To help prevent fraud, the department has asked anyone who receives a suspicious SMS or e-challan notice to contact the official 1915 helpline before taking any action. The helpline can be used to verify whether a traffic violation notice is genuine.
Authorities said verifying messages before making payments is one of the most effective ways to avoid becoming a victim of online fraud. Citizens should ignore messages that create unnecessary urgency or ask for payment through unfamiliar websites.
The department also encouraged people to report suspicious SMS messages to the relevant authorities. Public awareness and timely reporting can help reduce the spread of scams and protect others from financial loss.
The Karachi Traffic Police continue to advise road users to rely only on official communication channels for traffic-related notices. They also recommend checking any notification carefully before sharing information or completing a payment.
Officials emphasized that protecting personal and financial information should remain a priority. Users should regularly monitor their accounts and avoid opening links from unknown or unverified sources.
The latest advisory highlights the growing threat of digital fraud in Pakistan. As more public services move online, cybercriminals are finding new ways to exploit public trust.
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By staying alert and confirming the authenticity of every e-challan notification, citizens can protect themselves from scams and avoid unnecessary financial losses. The Karachi Traffic Police have urged the public to remain cautious and always verify suspicious messages through the official 1915 helpline before responding or making any payment.
