Bangalore One Website Suffers Data Breach? How Traffic Fines Scam Via WhatsApp Targeted Bengalurians

Published: Monday, February 26, 2024, 13:55 [IST]

The Bengaluru Traffic Police have taken legal action against five mobile applications-Bangalore Traffic, Bangalore Traffic Check F, Traffic Bangalore, Bangalore Traffic Fine Checker, and Traffic Fines Bangalore-accused of involvement in a scam.

These apps were exploited by fraudsters to deceive people, introducing a new method of scamming money through fake WhatsApp messages. Reports indicate recipients received messages alleging traffic violations and demanding payment. Scammers then coerced victims into making payments via QR codes sent through WhatsApp.

The suspicion arises from the fact that traffic fines data is shared exclusively with the Bangalore One portal, as disclosed by sources within BTP.

Prompted by a complaint from Jagadisha C, Database Administrator at TMC, an FIR was filed, alleging that the accused obtained data from the Bangalore One portal-a government-operated platform for integrated citizen services.

Warning the public about the scam, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) MN Achyuth clarified that fines cannot be paid via WhatsApp or QR codes. The five implicated apps have been removed from the Google Play Store.

"BTP solely dispatches notices via post. We do not use WhatsApp for communication, and fines cannot be paid through QR codes. We urge commuters to rely solely on our official website https://btp.gov.in and refrain from using any other apps or websites," stated Achyuth.

These unauthorized apps have been displaying traffic violation fines without permission, leading to widespread usage by numerous individuals.

While it remains unclear whether the QR code payment messages originate from these apps or cybercriminals exploiting their data, their illicit nature raises significant concerns, according to a senior official.