A WhatsApp scam asking vehicle owners to pay a ₹2,200 'M Parivahan' challan and to install an "official" APK is being used to gain full control of phones and steal sensitive data, a fraud alert from Odisha shows 1.

The message arrives from a number claiming to be "M Parivahan," cites the recipient's vehicle number to add credibility, and directs the user to download an APK to process the fine payment 1.

Once installed, the malicious APK can give attackers access to gallery files, banking credentials, contact lists and WhatsApp messages, allowing monitoring, data exfiltration or misuse of accounts and files 1.

The ETCISO report cites an Odisha case in which a woman avoided the scam after noting her vehicle had been parked at home for days, making the alleged red‑light violation impossible 1.

Authorities stress that government agencies, including M Parivahan, do not send payment demands over WhatsApp and advise users to independently verify such messages through official portals or local offices before taking action 1.

Security watchers say the scam works because India’s push to digitise services — from vehicle registration to fine payments — has trained citizens to expect legitimate digital communications, which scammers now impersonate to increase credibility 1.

The report recommends basic verification steps: avoid downloading apps from links in unsolicited messages, cross‑check challans on official portals, contact local traffic authorities, and report suspicious messages to law enforcement 1.

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