ISLAMABAD: A new cyber fraud technique built around traffic e-challans has surfaced in Islamabad, prompting a public warning from the capital’s traffic police.

Fraudsters are sending SMS messages that appear to be official challan notifications, then instructing recipients to settle the supposed fine through a suspicious payment link. Anyone who follows the link risks handing over card and banking details directly to the scammers.

Islamabad Traffic Police have advised citizens not to click on unverified e-challan links under any circumstances, and to confirm the existence of a challan before paying anything.

Verification, the force stressed, should be carried out only through the official Islamabad police website. Traffic fines should never be paid through unverified links received by message.

The department urged the public to stay alert and cautious, to confirm any challan before transferring money, and never to share personal or financial information in response to suspicious messages.

Phishing built around official-looking government notices has become one of the most common fraud vectors in Pakistan, precisely because the messages arrive at plausible moments and carry the weight of authority.