16,000 HSRPs Installed in Pune; Vehicle Owners Duped by Fake Websites During Online Registration
Pune – While vehicle owners rush to install High-Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) before the April 30, 2025, deadline, many are encountering serious challenges with online registration. Complaints have emerged about fraudulent websites scamming users, leading to financial losses and failed registrations.
Several users report being directed to fake websites while making payments, resulting in incorrect charges. Instead of the standard ₹500 fee, some applicants have been charged ₹899, with the amount being transferred to unauthorized accounts. Many have not received appointment confirmations despite successful payment transactions. The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has received multiple complaints regarding the issue.
Fake Websites, Payment Fraud on the Rise
Swapnil Bhosale, Pune’s Deputy Regional Transport Officer, acknowledged the issue, stating, “Due to the high demand, the government has set up 69 centres in Pune for HSRP installation. However, we have received complaints about fraudulent websites misleading users. The matter has been reported to the cyber police, and citizens are advised to use only the official government website for registration.”
One affected applicant, Prashant Mane, shared his experience: “I registered for an HSRP online two days ago. After filling in my details, I was redirected to another website for payment. The expected charge was ₹500, but ₹899 was deducted instead. I received no confirmation or email, and later, I was asked to make another payment. I have lodged a complaint with the Pune cyber police.”
Mass Registrations Underway
According to the Regional Transport Department’s directive, all vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, must have HSRPs installed by April 30, 2025. The Pune RTO has appointed Rosmerta Company to oversee the registration and installation process in Pune and 12 other RTO jurisdictions.
Pune has over 2.5 million vehicles requiring HSRPs. As of February 23, 80,604 vehicle owners have registered online, with 24,041 scheduling inspections and 16,454 already completing the installation.
Authorities urge citizens to remain vigilant against fraudulent websites and ensure they register only through official channels to avoid scams.
