TIRUCHY: Cyber fraudsters no longer target people only through deceptive emails, phone calls, crypto currency and task scams -- the new tool in their arsenal is fake RTO challan message and malicious APK file sent through WhatsApp. Residents of Tiruchy city have allegedly lost about Rs 1.2 crore to Rs 1.6 crore in such scams since January. Police said a total of 185 complaints have been received in the last seven months with an average of 20 to 30 complaints every month with estimated losses of Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.
Only around 20% to 30% of the money lost in such cases is being recovered, mainly when victims report the fraud immediately. Police said no arrests have been made so far in connection with the fake RTO challan cases.
In one recent case, A Jayakumar (37) of Thiruvanaikoil received a WhatsApp message on August 6 claiming that traffic fines were pending against his vehicle. After clicking on the payment link, Rs 1 lakh was debited from his account.
In another case, B Mohamed Rafiq (50) of Subramaniyapuram received a similar message purportedly from the RTO. After clicking on the link and sharing an OTP, Rs 1.65 lakh was withdrawn from his account.
On August 10, two more Tiruchy city residents allegedly lost Rs 1 lakh each after clicking on fake RTO challan links.
A 48-year-old man from Tiruchy city said, "I received an RTO challan message on WhatsApp and believed it was genuine. My friends had earlier told me that traffic police could issue fine and send messages, so I assumed the message was genuine. Normally, I expected the fine to be around Rs 1,000 or Rs 2,000. After clicking on the link, around Rs 90,000 was debited from my account."
Speaking to TNIE, an official from the Tiruchy City Cyber Crime Wing said, "Fraudsters are increasingly choosing WhatsApp to make the messages appear more convincing. In many cases, the message contains an image resembling a paid or pending RTO challan along with an APK file. People should clearly understand that genuine RTO challan messages are not sent through WhatsApp. People should not believe such messages or click on any links or download APK files received through WhatsApp. They should verify the challan through official government channels.”
Another official said the scam is not restricted to any particular age group. Fraudsters send such messages randomly, hoping that recipients will respond without verifying the information. In several cases, victims do not check whether the message contains their correct vehicle registration number or other details before clicking on the link.
Police have advised people to immediately report any suspicious transaction or unauthorised debit after clicking on an unusual link. Early reporting increases the chances of freezing the money and recovering part of the loss.
The Cyber Crime Wing has also stepped up awareness activities to educate the public about such scams.
"We conduct around 20 awareness programmes every month at schools, colleges, tea shops, railway stations and bus stands. Around 150 awareness programmes have been conducted so far this year, while information on emerging cyber frauds is also being shared regularly through social media," the official said.
WORRYING TREND:
Complaints every month 20-30
Money lost every month Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh
Money lost since January Rs 1.2 cr to Rs 1.6 cr
Money recovered 20-30%
Awareness programmes held - 150