Jaipur, February 12: Rajasthan Cyber Crime Police has issued a major public warning about a new phishing scam targeting vehicle owners in the name of the NHAI FASTag Annual Pass. Director General of Police (Cyber Crime) Sanjay Agrawal cautioned citizens that cyber fraudsters are impersonating official NHAI platforms to steal money through fake payment links and QR codes.
Fraud hiding in top Google search results:
According to the advisory, cybercriminals are using Google Ads and advanced SEO techniques to push fake websites to the top of search results, often appearing as Rank 1 with a “Sponsored” tag. These fraudulent portals closely mimic the design and logo of the official NHAI website, making it difficult for users to distinguish between genuine and fake platforms.
The fake websites typically demand around ₹3,000 for the FASTag Annual Pass and provide a QR code for payment. Once scanned, the amount is transferred to mule accounts controlled by fraudsters instead of any government account. Police have clarified that government payments are never requested in the name of private individuals.
How to identify fake platforms and stay safe:
• Use only official platforms such as the Rajmarg Yatra app or authorised bank portals for FASTag services.
• Carefully check the website URL and avoid suspicious links like annualtollpass.com or similar variations.
• Verify the payment recipient name — if it shows a personal name instead of an official entity, stop immediately.
• Never share banking or personal details on unknown or suspicious websites.
The Cyber Crime Department urged citizens to remain vigilant while making online payments and report any suspicious activity immediately. Authorities reiterated that awareness and caution are the strongest safeguards against rising digital fraud.
