
Fri Sep 05 09:29:07 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing has issued a warning regarding a surge in two specific types of cyber fraud: scams using fake “Parivahan e-challan” notifications for traffic violations and scams involving individuals impersonating cyber crime helpline agents. Both schemes aim to extract money and sensitive information from victims through deceptive tactics. The police advise verifying traffic fines on official government websites and being wary of unsolicited contacts requesting payments for filing complaints or recovering lost funds.
**News Article:**
**Tamil Nadu Police Warn of Surge in ‘Parivahan e-challan’ and Cyber Helpdesk Scams**
**CHENNAI, September 5, 2025** – The Cyber Crime Wing of the Tamil Nadu police has issued a public advisory regarding a sharp increase in two distinct and concerning types of cyber fraud targeting citizens: fake “Parivahan e-challan” scams and scams involving impersonators claiming to be from cyber crime helpdesks.
According to a press release issued today, the “Parivahan e-challan” scam involves criminals sending messages disguised as legitimate traffic violation notices. These messages, often containing a link for payment of a purported fine, lead victims to download malicious applications. Once installed, these apps request access to sensitive user data, including SMS messages, contact lists, and banking information. This access enables the criminals to bypass One-Time Passwords (OTPs) through SMS access or screen overlays, facilitating unauthorized financial transactions.
The other emerging fraud involves scammers contacting victims via WhatsApp, phone calls, Telegram, or fake emails, impersonating cyber crime helpline agents. These individuals demand payments under the guise of filing a complaint or recovering lost funds, essentially perpetrating a second layer of fraud on vulnerable individuals.
“We are seeing a significant rise in these types of scams and urge the public to be extremely vigilant,” stated a spokesperson for the Cyber Crime Wing.
The police advisory strongly urges citizens to only check traffic fines through official government websites or verified apps. Authorities also emphasized that traffic officials do not send traffic violation messages through WhatsApp and that individuals should be extremely suspicious of any unsolicited contact requesting payments related to cyber crime complaints or fund recovery.
The Tamil Nadu police are actively investigating these scams and encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim to report the incident immediately.