The e-challan is free. The APK is not.
A Karimnagar report warns of fake e-challan messages carrying APK files. The wider scam method is documented; this particular campaign is not independently confirmed.
A warning about fraudulent e-challan messages and APK files.
A report from Shankarapatnam in Karimnagar says people are receiving messages claiming e-challan registration is “completely free for a lifetime”, along with APK files. The report says recipients were told not to delay and warned that installing the file could expose personal information, OTPs and banking details. It does not identify a victim, police case, APK name, URL or technical analysis.
The warning itself is not far-fetched. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ official e-Challan portal warns about fraudulent websites and mobile apps impersonating its service, and says it does not request passwords, OTPs or payment details through messages or links. Hyderabad City Police documented a separate December 2025 case in which a fake traffic-fine message led to a malicious “M-Parivahan” APK; police said unauthorised credit-card transactions worth ₹5,23,125 followed. The amount was later recovered, according to the police note.
Do not install an APK received through WhatsApp, SMS or social media. Use the official e-Challan portal, and report suspected cyber fraud immediately at 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in. The Karimnagar campaign still needs a police advisory or technical evidence before it can be called confirmed. The scammers, meanwhile, are apparently offering lifetime benefits in exchange for one very short installation.