The Punjab Safe Cities Authority has issued a public warning after receiving numerous complaints about fraudulent e-challan text messages circulating across the province. Officials say the scam involves messages sent from unauthorized numbers, falsely claiming that recipients have outstanding traffic fines.

According to PSCA, these fake SMS alerts are designed to trick citizens into clicking suspicious links or sharing personal and financial information. In some cases, individuals are asked to make immediate payments to avoid penalties or legal action. Authorities have clarified that such messages are not generated through official channels.

The e-challan system in Punjab is part of a broader digital traffic enforcement framework aimed at promoting road safety and transparency. Legitimate traffic violation notices are issued through verified systems and do not demand instant payments through random links or unknown platforms.

PSCA has advised the public to carefully verify the sender before responding to any e-challan message. Citizens should avoid clicking on unfamiliar links or providing sensitive details such as bank account numbers, credit card information, or one-time passwords.

Officials emphasized that genuine e-challan notifications are sent through recognized and traceable sources. If there is any doubt regarding a message’s authenticity, residents are encouraged to confirm the fine status through official government websites or helplines.

Cybersecurity experts warn that SMS-based scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Fraudsters often use urgent language to create panic and pressure recipients into acting quickly. This tactic reduces the likelihood of victims verifying the information before responding.

The authority has assured the public that action is being taken to trace and block the unauthorized numbers involved in the scam. Law enforcement agencies are also working to identify those responsible for attempting to exploit citizens through digital fraud.

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious messages to relevant authorities immediately. Prompt reporting can help prevent further incidents and assist in tracking down the perpetrators.

As digital services expand across Punjab, awareness and vigilance remain key to protecting personal information. Authorities continue to urge citizens to rely only on official communication channels when dealing with traffic fines and government-related notifications.