WhatsApp Scams Spread, Warning Issued Against Fake Fine Payments

New cyber scams are spreading via WhatsApp messages, falsely claiming that payments are due for traffic violations. These fake messages often include a link, warning recipients that clicking it could empty their bank accounts. A resident of Koothattukulam recently lost ₹4,05,500 after attempting to pay a fine for a traffic violation based on a WhatsApp message. Authorities advise using only official government websites for checking and paying traffic challans and urge the public to report suspicious links or calls to 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov.in.