A government employee from Maharashtra almost fell victim to an online scam while applying for a High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP). The incident shows how fake websites are tricking people, especially after the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Department made it mandatory for all vehicles to get HSRPs by April 2025.
Madhuri Patil, a 45-year-old employee, decided to apply for an HSRP after her colleague explained the process. Her colleague had already applied and shared official links, videos, and the correct price of ₹531 (including GST). Trusting this information, Madhuri clicked on a link and entered her details. But when she reached the payment section, a QR code appeared. When she scanned it, she was shocked to see a payment request of ₹1,299—more than double the actual price.
Cyber DCP Lohit Matani has urged people to avoid clicking on links shared through WhatsApp or other platforms when applying for High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP). He advised using only official government websites, such as transport.maharashtra.gov.in, to ensure safe transactions.
Matani also warned against sharing unknown links and encouraged the public to report any fraudulent websites at cybercrime.gov.in to help prevent online scams.
According to a local daily report, Madhuri Patil narrowly avoided an online scam while applying for a High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP). After clicking on a link shared by her colleague, she proceeded with the application process. However, when she reached the payment stage, she noticed something unusual.Â
The Google Pay confirmation screen displayed the recipient’s name as Ritik Gupta instead of a government organization, raising suspicions. Since Madhuri was aware of the actual cost of the number plate, she immediately realized the discrepancy and canceled the transaction, preventing a financial loss. “The website looked so authentic that it was difficult to tell it was a fake one,” said Madhuri.
The new High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) mandate, designed to curb vehicle-related thefts, requires all vehicles to have HSRPs installed by the deadline, which has now been extended to June 30.Â
The Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Department is urging vehicle owners to apply for HSRPs only through the official government website to avoid falling victim to online scams.
However, the rise of fake websites pretending to be official platforms has given cybercriminals new ways to scam people. These fraudulent sites not only steal money but also collect vehicle details.Â
Scammers are mainly spreading these fake links through WhatsApp, targeting users who may not be tech-savvy. While younger people often recognize such scams, older and middle-aged individuals are more likely to fall for them. As a result, many of these cases go unreported.
Cyber frauds, including password theft, fake websites, and other online crimes, are punishable by law. The penalties vary based on the severity of the offense—up to three years in prison for general cheating, up to five years if it causes financial loss to a protected person, and up to seven years with an additional fine if property or valuable securities are involved.
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