Tripura faces a surge in cybercrime with a new fake “RTO Traffic Challan App” scam spreading via WhatsApp. Police warn residents after several victims reported hacked accounts. With over ₹51 crore lost since 2021, authorities urge citizens to stay vigilant, avoid suspicious links, and report cases to helpline 1930.
Tripura continues to grapple with an alarming rise in cybercrime incidents, with the latest case exposing a new digital fraud involving a fake “RTO Traffic Challan App.” Police confirmed on Thursday that the fraudulent app, spread through WhatsApp and email links, is giving hackers unauthorized access to citizens’ WhatsApp accounts, once installed.
The scam came to light after a resident of Bishalgarh, Sumit Debnath, fell victim to the fraud. According to his complaint, cybercriminals hacked his WhatsApp account after he mistakenly downloaded the malicious app. The hackers not only took control of his account but also changed his display picture and circulated the same fraudulent link across his WhatsApp groups to lure more unsuspecting victims.
Bishalgarh Police Station Officer-in-Charge Bijay Das confirmed that at least three such complaints have been lodged so far. The cases have since been forwarded to the state cybercrime branch for further investigation. “This is not just an attack on individuals but part of a larger cyber fraud strategy that is spreading rapidly across digital platforms,” Das said.
A Growing Menace
The fake app scam has surfaced at a time when Tripura police have been warning residents about the evolving tactics of cybercriminals. Authorities highlight that scammers are constantly inventing new methods to trap people, ranging from phishing emails and fake apps to online investment hoaxes and blackmail threats.
According to state police data, between 2021 and mid-2025, as many as 269 citizens across Tripura have been duped of more than ₹51.49 crore through various online frauds. While authorities have managed to recover around ₹33.84 lakh and freeze about ₹5.76 crore across thousands of suspicious bank accounts, officials admit the problem is far from being contained.
“The scale and frequency of cybercrime are increasing every month. Even with improved vigilance, the adaptability of fraudsters makes this a constant battle,” a senior police officer said.
Government and Police Response
To strengthen the state’s response to such crimes, Tripura inaugurated its first Cybercrime Police Station in Agartala in June 2025. This specialized unit is equipped with trained personnel and advanced forensic tools to track, investigate, and counter online fraud.
Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag has repeatedly urged citizens not to fall prey to “unbelievably lucrative offers of financial gain” often circulated through online advertisements, SMS, and emails. He also emphasized the dangers of downloading suspicious APK files, which are frequently used by scammers to gain access to sensitive data, including banking details and private conversations.
“The fight against cybercrime is as much about law enforcement as it is about public awareness. Every individual must stay alert, verify links before clicking, and immediately report suspicious activities,” the DGP noted in a recent statement.
Staying Safe in the Digital Age
Authorities have issued a clear set of guidelines to help residents protect themselves from such scams. Citizens are advised:
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Never click on unsolicited links received through WhatsApp, email, or SMS.
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Avoid downloading APK files from unknown or unverified sources.
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Report cybercrime incidents immediately through helpline number 1930 or by visiting the nearest police station.
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Enable two-step verification on WhatsApp and other social media accounts for extra protection.
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Stay updated on police advisories about ongoing scams and share the information within communities.
The police also stress that cybercriminals often exploit trust within social circles by hijacking accounts and spreading fraudulent links. By targeting WhatsApp groups, hackers increase their chances of reaching more victims quickly.
The Larger Picture
The emergence of the fake RTO challan app scam reflects the broader challenges India faces in curbing cybercrime. With growing digital adoption in states like Tripura, fraudsters are finding fertile ground to exploit gaps in awareness and cybersecurity practices.
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While efforts like the establishment of a dedicated cybercrime police station and the freezing of suspect accounts are steps in the right direction, experts believe that long-term success depends on community vigilance and widespread digital literacy.
As Tripura residents come to terms with this latest scam, authorities are doubling down on awareness campaigns to ensure citizens are better prepared against the next wave of cyber threats.
