Mumbai, July 15: A new RTO challan scam targeting citizens has come to light from several parts of the country. In this scam, fraudsters send people an "RTO Challan APK" file on WhatsApp and ask them to download it to pay challans for their vehicles, including two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Notably, this is a new type of fraud in which scammers use the "RTO Challan APK" file as a modus operandi to hack people's WhatsApp accounts and steal sensitive information from their phones.

The scam came to light after several people shared their experiences on X (formerly Twitter). One user shared a screenshot of the fake message he received on WhatsApp and said, "This HAS to be a new scam. This number posing to RTO has sent me a .apk file which is called RTO_Challan_update.apk". Another user said that fraudsters are sending fake WhatsApp messages by posing as traffic authorities and claiming that the user had a challan for traffic violations, including overspeeding and jumping signals.ย What Is WhatsApp E-Challan Scam? How To Check if Traffic Challan Is Real or Fake?

Fraudsters Send 'RTO Challan APK' File on WhatsApp

New Traffic Challan Scam Comes to Light

Authorities Alert People About New Scam, Ask Them to Refrain from Downloadingย APK Challan Files

It is worth noting that scammers are sending files with names such as 'RTO Challan APK,' "RTO_Challan_update.apk," and "mParivahan.apk." However, all these APK files are fake and are being used to scam people. One user received a message which read, "Dear Vehicle Owner, we wish to inform you that a traffic violation has been recorded against your vehicle for jumping a red signal, which is breach of traffic regulations." So why are scammers sending APK files on WhatsApp?

Police Create Awareness About Traffic Challan Scam

Scammers are using the APK challan files as a new modus operandi to dupe people. When a person installs the APK file, believing it to be sent by traffic departments, they fall into a fraudster's trap. Once installed, the APK files allow fraudsters to hack victims' WhatsApp accounts and access their phones, thereby providing them with an opportunity to steal sensitive information. Police across the country have warned against the APK challan files circulating on WhatsApp.ย Is Modi Government Planning To Impose Toll Tax on Bikes on National Highways? Hereโ€™s a Fact Check of Congressโ€™ Misleading Post Linked to Gorakhpur Link Expressway.

Where and How to Check Traffic Challan

Amid this scam, people are wondering where and how to check their traffic challan. Several police, including Punjab and Navsari police, said that traffic challans can be checked at echallan.parivahan.gov.in, the official website of the Government of India.ย One can check and pay a traffic challan by visiting the online portal mentioned above and clicking on the "Pay Online" option.

Next, a user has to opt for "Challan number", "Vehicle number" or "DL number" option to view or pay their challan. On clicking "get detail", the website will show a pending challan if any or read a message stating "Challa not found", meaning there is no challan against your vehicle.

Fact check

New Scam Alert! Fake 'RTO Challan APK' File Used To Hack WhatsApp, Steal Sensitive Information; Here's Where You Should Check Vehicle Challan Online
Claim :

Government sending 'RTO Challan APK' file to people on WhatsApp to pay vehicle challan online

Conclusion :

The 'RTO Challan APK' file is being sent by fraudsters to dupe people. One can visit govt's official website echallan.parivahan.gov.in to check and pay vehicle challan online

Full of Trash
Clean

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 15, 2025 10:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).