PSCA issues alert over e-challan SMS scam

The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) has issued a public alert over a surge in complaints regarding fraudulent e-challan SMS messages, urging citizens to remain vigilant against scammers attempting to obtain personal and financial information.

According to a PSCA spokesperson, fake messages are being circulated by fraudsters to deceive people into sharing sensitive data or making unauthorized payments.

The authority clarified that it never requests cash, bank account details, or debit and credit card information through SMS or any other channel. Citizens have been advised not to trust or respond to any message demanding personal or financial information.

The spokesperson emphasized that authentic e-challan notifications are sent only from the official Government of Punjab number, 9915. Any message received from other numbers, particularly 8070, should be treated as fake and ignored.

The PSCA further warned that fraudulent SMS messages often contain suspicious links that may lead to hacking of personal data or financial loss if clicked. People are strongly advised not to make payments through unverified websites or open doubtful links.