Beware of Fake E-Challan SMS – Official Messages Are Sent Only from 8070
Residents across Punjab, especially in major cities such as Lahore, have recently reported a growing number of fake e-challan SMS scams. Fraudsters are sending messages that impersonate official traffic notifications and pressure people to click links or transfer money by falsely claiming unpaid fines.
In response to these incidents, the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) has issued a strong public warning asking citizens to stay alert and avoid interacting with suspicious messages.
Official Clarification from Punjab Safe City Authority
According to PSCA, all genuine e-challan notifications are sent only from the official government number:
8070
Any SMS claiming to be an e-challan that arrives from any other number is completely fake.
PSCA has also confirmed:
- No payment requests are ever made via SMS
- Citizens are never asked to share bank details, CNIC numbers, or account information
- No clickable links are sent to collect payments or personal data
Any message demanding sensitive details or instant payment should immediately be treated as a scam.
How Fake E-Challan Scams Work
Cybercrime experts explain that scammers use fear tactics to trick citizens:
- Fake SMS messages claim a traffic fine is due
- A link is provided for “urgent payment”
- Victims click the link and enter personal banking details
- Criminals misuse the information to drain accounts or steal identities
This technique relies on panic and urgency to bypass careful decision-making.
How to Identify a Genuine E-Challan Message
A legitimate e-challan SMS from 8070 will always contain official violation details, including:
- Time of the violation
- Exact location where it occurred
- Clear description of the traffic offence
Authentic messages do NOT contain payment links, demands for bank credentials, or instructions to share private information.
If any SMS lacks these details or includes suspicious requests, it should be considered fraudulent.
Safety Guidelines for Citizens
To avoid falling victim to e-challan scams, follow these safety measures:
- Never respond to or pay using unverified SMS messages
- Do not click on unknown or suspicious links
- Never share CNIC or bank details through SMS
- Remember that Safe City services are completely free
- Report fraudulent messages immediately
Emergency Contacts:
- Dial 15 (Police helpline)
- File a report with the FIA Cyber Crime Wing
Prompt reporting helps authorities track scammers and protect others.
FAQs – Fake E-Challan SMS
Q1: From which number do official e-challan messages come?
Only from the verified Punjab Government number 8070.
Q2: How can I tell if an e-challan SMS is fake?
If it comes from any number other than 8070, asks for payments, bank details, or contains clickable links — it is fraudulent.
Q3: What should I do if I receive a suspicious message?
Do not open links or reply. Report it by calling 15 or contacting the FIA Cyber Crime Wing.
Q4: Are Safe City services paid?
No, all Safe City online services are free of charge.
Q5: What information is included in a real e-challan SMS?
Time of violation, location, and a full description of the offence — nothing else.
Final Advisory
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority has reaffirmed that genuine e-challan notifications are issued only through the official short code 8070. Any SMS from other numbers requesting money or personal details is a scam.
Citizens are urged to stay vigilant, ignore fraudulent messages, and report them immediately to protect their finances and personal data. Staying informed is the strongest defence against digital fraud.
