A Haridwar resident lost ₹74,000 after falling victim to a cyber fraud in which scammers used a fake RTO challan app link to siphon money from his bank account. The incident has raised fresh concerns about rising online scams targeting unsuspecting citizens through cleverly disguised digital traps.
According to police, the victim received a message on his mobile phone claiming to be from the Regional Transport Office (RTO). The message alleged that he had an outstanding traffic challan and included a link to an app where payment could supposedly be made online. Believing it to be genuine, the man clicked on the link and installed the app.
Soon after entering his personal and banking details into the fraudulent platform, the victim noticed multiple unauthorized transactions. Within minutes, ₹74,000 was withdrawn from his account. Realizing he had been duped, he immediately reported the matter to the cybercrime cell in Haridwar.
Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and the Indian Penal Code. Investigators are now tracking the digital trail of the transactions. Officials said preliminary findings suggest the fraudsters operated from outside the state, using cloned apps and phishing messages to trap users.
The Haridwar cybercrime team has cautioned the public against clicking on suspicious links or downloading unofficial applications. “Government agencies never ask people to download separate apps for challan payment. Such payments can only be made through official portals or authorized apps. Citizens must remain vigilant and avoid sharing sensitive details on unverified platforms,” an officer explained.
This is not the first case of cyber fraud reported in Uttarakhand. Authorities say phishing scams, fake loan apps, and fraudulent payment links have become common, with criminals exploiting both technological loopholes and people’s lack of awareness. Losses often run into lakhs of rupees, and recovery is difficult once the money is transferred to accounts controlled by fraudsters.
Cyber experts recommend that individuals verify the source of any payment request, avoid clicking on unknown links, and use official websites for transactions. Two-factor authentication and SMS alerts can also help in preventing unauthorized withdrawals.
The incident has sparked concern among Haridwar residents, especially as digital payments become more common. Local activists have urged the government to intensify awareness campaigns and strengthen cyber policing. “People are being targeted through fake links every day. The government must step up education and create strong deterrents,” said one community leader.
Police have assured that efforts are underway to track the culprits and recover the stolen funds. In the meantime, officials urged citizens to report any suspicious messages or fraudulent links immediately to the nearest cybercrime helpline.
