A fake FASTag Annual Pass scam is creating panic among vehicle owners planning to travel on India’s extensive national highway network.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued a strong public warning about a surge in fraudulent websites and links falsely claiming to sell the FASTag Annual Pass, a service introduced last year for private vehicle owners.
FASTag users targeted by phishing scam
Fraudsters are exploiting the ₹3,000 FASTag Annual Pass scheme, which permits up to 200 trips or one year of travel on national highways for eligible private, non-commercial vehicles. Scammers are creating convincing look-alike websites that mimic official platforms.
Many of these fake sites appear at the top of search engine results through paid advertisements and manipulated SEO tactics.
Unsuspecting users are tricked into entering payment details or scanning malicious QR codes, resulting in:
Direct financial losses of around ₹3,000 per transaction
Funds being diverted to mule bank accounts
Theft of sensitive personal and vehicle information
Multiple complaints have already been reported and are being monitored by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
How to avoid the FASTag scam
NHAI has clarified that the FASTag Annual Pass is available exclusively through the official Rajmarg Yatra mobile app. No other website, social media platform, WhatsApp or Telegram link, third-party seller, or external portal is authorised to sell or process the pass.
In advisories posted across platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, NHAI warned commuters against engaging with unauthorised websites or links offering the pass.
To stay safe, NHAI advises:
Purchase or activate the FASTag Annual Pass only via the Rajmarg Yatra app
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or advertisements claiming to offer the pass
Do not share FASTag, vehicle, or payment details on unverified websites.
Report suspicious websites or fraud attempts immediately to cybercrime authorities
Authorities urge commuters to remain vigilant to prevent financial
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