Two Ahmedabad businessmen lost a combined ₹6.79 lakh after allegedly falling victim to a cyber fraud involving fake traffic e-memo messages. In separate incidents reported from Isanpur and Baherampura, fraudsters used vehicle numbers in messages to make the alerts appear genuine and allegedly gained access to the victims’ mobile phones after they opened the links.
How Did The Isanpur Businessman Lose ₹4.58 Lakh?
Kunal Batukbhai Prajapati, 38, who runs Kunal Infotech in Isanpur, received a message from an unknown number regarding a ₹1,000 traffic memo linked to vehicle number GJ27AP6801.
Prajapati clicked on the link included in the message but did not make any payment. Soon afterwards, his phone began receiving repeated OTP messages from different numbers.
Later that night, he received alerts about several transactions from his bank account. He discovered that ₹4.58 lakh had been withdrawn through six transactions.
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What Happened After The Fraud Was Detected?
After realising what had happened, Prajapati switched off his mobile phone and contacted the 1930 cybercrime helpline. He subsequently filed a complaint at the Isanpur police station.
How Was A Baherampura Resident Duped Of ₹2.21 Lakh?
In the second incident, a 48-year-old Baherampura resident received a WhatsApp message from an unknown sender claiming that an e-challan was pending against his two-wheeler.
The message contained his vehicle number and a link related to the alleged challan. When he opened the link, an application was downloaded onto his phone.
How Did The Fraudsters Gain Access To The Bank Account?
The man realised something was wrong only after receiving bank transaction alerts the following day. On checking his account, he found that ₹2.21 lakh had been taken out through multiple transactions.
The complaint alleges that the application gave the fraudsters access to the mobile phone, after which they carried out unauthorised transactions.
How Does The Fake E-Memo Scam Work?
The fraud begins with a message designed to look like an official traffic notice. Fraudsters use a vehicle owner’s registration number and claim that a fine, often for ₹500 or ₹1,000, remains unpaid.
The message contains a link directing the recipient to supposedly clear the fine. Instead of making a legitimate payment, victims may be prompted to download an APK application.
Once installed, such an application can potentially gain access to SMS messages and other information on the device. This can allow criminals to obtain sensitive banking information, including OTPs, and carry out transactions without the victim immediately noticing.
Both Ahmedabad cases were reported after the victims noticed unauthorised withdrawals. They contacted 1930, the cybercrime helpline, and approached the respective police stations.
What Should Vehicle Owners Do After Receiving Such Messages?
Cyber crime experts have urged citizens to be cautious about traffic fine messages received from unknown numbers and to avoid opening suspicious links or installing applications sent through such messages.
About the author — Ayesha Aayat writes on cybercrime, digital safety, and emerging online threats. Her work focuses on public awareness, legal clarity, and technology-driven risks.
