How this e-challan SMS could empty your bank account in minutes: Comedian’s close call exposes a new scam; Netizens share similar experiences

A Mumbai-based stand-up comedian has raised an alarm over a new and highly convincing e-challan scam, warning people to stay alert after he almost fell for it himself. The incident highlights how fraudsters are now using smart design and official-looking websites to trick unsuspecting citizens into sharing their card details.

How the Scam Message Looked Legit

The comedian, Shridhar V, shared his experience on X, revealing how he received an SMS claiming that his vehicle had been caught speeding by a traffic camera. The message looked routine and carried a shortened link, urging him to pay a fine immediately.

“What caught me off guard was how genuine it looked,” he wrote. “I almost entered my card details before checking the domain. Who says Indians are not innovative?”



The message appeared to come from a normal mobile number, not a random international ID, which made it seem even more believable.

Fake Website Mimicked Government Portal

Clicking on the link led to a webpage designed to resemble the official e-Challan portal of the Government of India. The page carried the Ashoka emblem and claimed to be part of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

It showed:

• A pending challan of Rs 500
• A long reference number
• Department listed as “Traffic”
• A bold green “Pay Now” button
• A warning claiming non-payment could lead to fines, licence suspension or court action

At first glance, everything looked official.

The Red Flag That Exposed the Scam

What saved the comedian was a closer look at the website address. Instead of the official echallan.parivahan.gov.in, the link redirected to echallan.pasvahan.icu, a cleverly altered domain.

The original SMS had also used a shortened link, hiding the real URL and making the fraud harder to spot.

In a follow-up post, Shridhar revealed another alarming detail. The fake website allowed users to enter any vehicle or driving licence number, and whatever was typed would appear on the next page, creating the illusion that real government data was being accessed.

“Whatever you input shows up on the next page to make it look authentic. That’s how they trap you,” he said.

Social Media Reacts: ‘Almost Fell for It Too’

The post quickly gained traction, with many users admitting they had received similar messages.

One user commented, “Thanks for sharing this. I’ve been getting these messages too.”

Another said, “I actually lost Rs 999 to a fake HSRP website last week. This is getting scary.”

A third user pointed out how technology has changed the scam game: “Earlier, scammers needed proper tech skills. Now with AI, these fake websites look completely real.”

One person summed it up perfectly: “With this much brainpower, they could make honest money too!”

How to Stay Safe From E-Challan Scams

Here are a few quick tips to avoid falling into such traps:

• Always check the official website: echallan.parivahan.gov.in
• Never click on shortened or unknown links
• Do not enter card details unless you’re sure of the source
• Government messages usually come from official sender IDs, not personal numbers
• Verify challans directly on the Parivahan website or app

As online fraud grows more sophisticated, awareness remains the strongest defence. The scam shared by the Mumbai comedian is a reminder that even tech-savvy users can be fooled if they’re not careful.

If something feels urgent, threatening, or too real, pause, verify, and only then act.