FASTag Recharge Link Scam by SMS

How it looks by SMS, the red flags and what to do.

A text message is the cheapest way for a scammer to reach thousands of phones at once, and the sender name can look like a bank, a courier or a government office. FASTag Recharge Link Scam is one of the ways this shows up: A message says your FASTag balance is low or blocked and gives a link to recharge. The page steals card details or collects a payment.

What fastag recharge link scam looks like by SMS

• A very short message with a deadline such as "today" or "within 24 hours".
• A shortened or oddly spelled link that does not match the real website.
• A request to call a number, install an app or share an OTP.

The scammer sends a mass message that mentions FASTag, a low balance or a blacklist warning. They know that many drivers travel often and rely on the tag, so a warning about a toll plaza creates real worry. The message has a short link and sometimes a phone number to call for 'quick help', which is placed where it looks official.

Red flags to check on the text message

• A FASTag warning arrives with a link and a short deadline.
• The page asks for card details and an OTP to recharge.
• A phone number in the message is offered for quick help.
• A penalty or blacklist is mentioned to make you hurry.
• The link domain is not the one you type yourself for that organisation.
• The message asks for an OTP, PIN, card number or password.

What to do

1. Do not tap the link or call the number in the message.
2. Check your balance in the app of your tag issuer or your bank's own app.
3. Recharge only through the official app or website you type yourself.
4. Delete the message and tell family members who may get the same text.
5. Do not reply, do not tap the link and do not call the number in the message.
6. Open the official app or type the official website yourself to see if there is any real notice.

You can report suspicious SMS and calls on the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility) of the Department of Telecommunications.

If money or a code is already gone

1. Call 1930 right away with the payment details.
2. Tell your bank through the number on your card and ask to block the card used.
3. Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in with the message and page screenshots.
4. Remove any app installed on the caller's advice and change banking passwords.

National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930; report at cybercrime.gov.in.

Safeavio's link check looks at a recharge link before you open it for lookalike domains, shortened links and risky patterns, and the scam check shows why a low-balance message looks like urgency and a money demand. It cannot check your FASTag balance, so use your tag issuer's official app or the number printed on your tag documents. It also cannot check your tag.

Full guide: FASTag Recharge Link Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: WhatsApp, phone call, fake app.

Questions