Pramesh S Jain
C
oncerned over growing number of complaints about fake calls and messages to the general public claiming to be from the traffic department in an attempt to cheat people by extorting personal information or money,the traffic police warned people not to entertain such calls .
The traffic police according to a senior police officer from traffic planning,never call individuals to inform about the violations and demand payment of fines.
People who receive such calls should register complaints on our official website or helpline numbers 080-22868550 or 22868444 or email it to the officials concerned on acpplanningoffice@gmail.com.
In the past few days,the department has received numerous complaints regarding fake calls and messages.
We have advised them not to entertain such calls and asked them to report to the jurisdictional police or the call the control room 112 or 1930 to report, he added.
According to the officials,the caller claiming to be from the traffic department inform that there are many violations pending and demanding payment for fake fines or penalties.
The caller threatened with legal consequences and demand to pay the fine immediately to avoid trouble .
There are instances where people get Messages claiming to have footage of traffic violations and demanding payment.
Some times calls claiming to offer fake insurance or registration services.The caller also send messages asking citizens to click on malicious links or download attachments.
Few people also got a call claiming to be from Traffic Police and informing that your vehicle is involved in hit and run case.
The caller would then Transfer Calls:Calls where the scammer claims to transfer you to a fake police officer and asks you to press 1,2,to verify your identity or confirm payment
The accused force the people to follow instructions posing as policemen and once the instructions is followed, they access the bank accounts and withdraw the money, the police officer, added.
We have shared our concerns to the officials of the different districts across the state to create awareness among the people before it is too late”, a senior police officer, said .
Advise :
People have been advised not to entertain or respond to such calls or messages.Do not click on suspicious links or download attachments or provide personal information or make payments.
Whenever people receive such calls,they need to verify the authenticity of calls or messages by contacting our department directly.
People should verify officer identities of the caller before providing information.They should use official payment channels for fines or services and keep software and operating systems up-to-date, MN. Anucheth,Joint commissioner of Police, traffic, said .
