Authorities in Punjab have warned citizens about a growing online scam involving fake e-challan websites and fraudulent SMS messages designed to steal banking and personal information from unsuspecting users.
According to the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA), scammers are sending fake e-challan notifications through random mobile numbers along with fraudulent links that redirect users to fake payment portals. These websites reportedly imitate official government platforms to trick citizens into entering sensitive banking details and card information.
Officials clarified that authentic e-challan SMS notifications are only sent from the official PSCA number “9915.” They also stressed that official messages never contain payment links or request banking information directly through SMS.
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The PSCA advised citizens to avoid clicking on suspicious links and verify challans only through the official Punjab Safe Cities e-challan portal. Payments should only be made through approved government platforms such as the ePay Punjab app after generating a valid PSID.
Cybersecurity concerns in Pakistan have increased significantly in recent years as scammers continue using fake government portals, phishing links, and social engineering tactics to target internet users. Authorities are now urging the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and cybercrime units to take strict action against those operating fake e-challan websites.
Experts recommend that users manually type official website addresses into their browsers instead of opening links received through SMS messages. Citizens are also encouraged to immediately contact their banks if they accidentally share financial details on suspicious websites.
The incident highlights the increasing threat of online fraud in Pakistan and the importance of digital awareness as more public services shift toward online platforms.
