Karachi Traffic Police have issued a public warning against a growing scam involving fake text messages and fraudulent e-challan notifications that impersonate the department’s official 1915 helpline. The alert comes as more residents report receiving suspicious SMS messages claiming they have committed traffic violations, with scammers using these fake notices to pressure recipients into quick action.
According to the department, fraudsters have been circulating deceptive messages that inform recipients of alleged traffic violations and direct them to pay fines through fake links. These links are designed to mimic official payment portals, making it easy for unsuspecting citizens to hand over personal or financial details without realizing they are dealing with a scam rather than a genuine notice from the traffic police department.
Authorities have advised the public to avoid clicking on suspicious links or responding to unverified SMS messages that claim to be from the traffic police. Citizens have also been urged not to share any personal or financial information through such messages unless they have independently confirmed that the notice is genuine. The department emphasized that its e-challan notifications are issued only through authorized and verified channels, and any message received outside these channels should be treated with caution.
Karachi Traffic Police further clarified that anyone who receives a suspicious SMS or e-challan notice should verify its authenticity by contacting the official 1915 helpline before taking any further action, including making any payment. The department’s warning follows a broader pattern of digital fraud attempts across Pakistan, where scammers frequently exploit official sounding communication to target citizens through fake links and impersonated government services. Officials say public awareness remains one of the most effective tools against such scams, and encouraged residents to share the advisory with family members, particularly those who may be less familiar with identifying fraudulent messages.
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