Pune Cyber Crime: Fake RTO E-Challan Message Drains ₹2.6 Lakh from Katraj Resident’s Bank Account

A Pune resident lost ₹2.6 lakh after falling victim to a fake RTO e-challan message, highlighting the growing threat of cyber fraud.

January 14, 2026 | Pune: In a disturbing case of cybercrime, a resident of Pune’s Katraj area lost ₹2.6 lakh after falling prey to a fake RTO e-challan message sent to his mobile phone. The incident highlights the increasing sophistication of online fraudsters who impersonate government authorities to deceive unsuspecting citizens. The victim received a message claiming that a traffic challan had been issued against his vehicle and was asked to check the details through an attached link or file.

Believing the message to be genuine, the victim clicked on the link and downloaded the file, which unknowingly installed malicious software on his mobile device. This allowed the fraudsters to gain remote access to his phone and retrieve sensitive information, including banking credentials and personal identification details. Shortly after, multiple unauthorized transactions were carried out, resulting in a total financial loss of ₹2.6 lakh from his bank account.

The victim became aware of the fraud only after receiving debit alerts from his bank. He immediately approached the local police and cybercrime authorities, following which a formal complaint was registered. An investigation has been launched to trace the digital trail, identify the culprits, and recover the stolen funds. Officials involved in the probe have stated that such scams are becoming increasingly common, particularly those involving fake messages related to traffic fines, parcel deliveries, and banking alerts.

Cybercrime officials have once again urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading files received through unsolicited messages. Authorities have clarified that official traffic challans should always be verified only through authorized government portals and not through links sent via SMS or messaging apps. Any unexpected message demanding urgent payment should be treated with suspicion.

Experts warn that cybercriminals often exploit fear and urgency to trick victims into acting quickly without verification. Once malicious software is installed, scammers can monitor keystrokes, access banking apps, and transfer money within minutes. To stay safe, users are advised to keep their devices updated, install trusted security applications, enable two-factor authentication for banking services, and never share personal or financial information over unknown platforms.

This incident serves as a strong reminder of the rising threat of digital fraud in urban areas like Pune, where increased dependence on online services has also opened doors to cyber risks. Authorities continue to appeal to the public to stay alert, verify information before acting, and report suspicious messages immediately to prevent further financial losses.

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