The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (Punjab Safe Cities Authority) has issued a public warning regarding a growing wave of fraudulent SMS messages posing as official e-challan notifications.
According to a PSCA spokesperson, scammers are circulating fake messages from various mobile numbers that include malicious links designed to steal banking credentials and personal financial information. Citizens were urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid interacting with such messages.
The authority clarified that official e-challan notifications are only sent from the short code “9915” and do not contain any links or instructions for making online payments. Any message requesting bank account details, ATM card information, or similar sensitive data should be considered fraudulent—even if it appears to originate from the official number.
Officials further advised the public not to click on unknown links or make payments through unverified websites. For verification of traffic fines, citizens were directed to use the official PSCA system and complete payments only through the government’s e-payment platform after generating a PSID via e-Pay Punjab.
The spokesperson added that all relevant service providers have been alerted to help curb the spread of fake websites and SMS campaigns. Action is also being taken against individuals involved in operating fraudulent platforms using the Safe City name.
Citizens can obtain further information or report suspicious messages by contacting Police Helpline 15 and selecting option 6 for e-challan-related queries.
Authorities have reiterated that public awareness remains the strongest defense against digital fraud and urged citizens to stay vigilant.
