Pune Cyber Crime: Fake RTO E-Challan Message Drains ₹2.6 Lakh from Katraj Resident’s Bank Account
Pune: Eight Held In ₹22 Crore Online Trading Scam Targeting Elderly Resident
Pune, January 14, 2026: Cyber criminals have struck again in Pune using a new scam involving a fake RTO e-challan message, cheating a resident of ₹2.6 lakh. The incident was reported from the Katraj area, and a case has been registered by the Bharati Vidyapeeth Police against unknown cyber fraudsters.
What Happened:
The complainant, a resident of Khopde Nagar in Katraj, received a message on his mobile phone claiming that the Regional Transport Office (RTO) had imposed a fine on his vehicle. The message included a link/file supposedly meant for checking and paying the e-challan.
Believing the message to be genuine, the victim opened the file on his mobile phone to view the details.
How the Fraud Took Place:
As soon as the file was opened, cyber criminals gained remote access to the victim’s mobile phone. Using this access, they stole sensitive personal data including Aadhaar details, bank account information, and other confidential data. Within a short time, the fraudsters transferred ₹2,60,000 from the victim’s bank account to another account without his consent.
The victim realised he had been cheated only after receiving bank alerts confirming the debit transactions.
Police Action and Advisory:
Senior Police Inspector Rahul Khilare of Bharati Vidyapeeth Police Station is leading the investigation. Police have begun technical analysis of the fraudulent link and bank transactions to trace the accused.
Authorities have issued a strong warning, stating that the RTO never sends payment requests via personal messages, WhatsApp, or suspicious links. Citizens are advised to verify traffic fines only through the official Parivahan website and to avoid opening unknown links or files received on mobile phones.
Police have urged citizens to remain alert as such cyber fraud cases are increasing rapidly across the city.
