Your bank account can become empty as soon as you scan ‘QR code’ on the highway! Know ways to avoid this fraud which will increase in January 2026: – ..

New Delhi. Imagine, you are traveling on the highway and suddenly a message comes on your phone – “Your FASTag balance is about to expire, recharge immediately by scanning this QR code to avoid being blacklisted.” Something similar happened to Rahul, a salesman from Delhi, in January 2026, and a wrong click in a hurry wiped out Rs 5,000 from his bank account. across the country such FASTag Scam Cases are increasing rapidly.

New trap of fraud: ‘Fake SMS and fake website’

Nowadays, fraudsters send similar SMS or WhatsApp messages in the name of NHAI. In this, the lure of not having ‘KYC update’ or giving ‘Annual Pass’ at a cheap price is often given.

QR Code Game: As soon as you click on the link given in the message, you reach a website which looks exactly like the real NHAI portal.

Theft of details: There you are asked for vehicle number, FASTag ID and bank OTP. As soon as you share this information, your wallet is emptied.

Fraud at toll plaza: Many times, fraudsters paste their fake links or QR codes on the boards near toll plazas, which people consider to be official and scan them.

How to identify a fake website?

Caution is the only protection. As per NHAI guidelines, check the URL before trusting any link:

Original website: official website nhai.gov.in Or ihmcl.co.in Is.

Fake Identity: thugs often nhai-online.in, fastag-recharge.com Or nhaitollpass.com Like using similar domains.

Note: No official organization directly asks you for money on WhatsApp in the name of toll nor asks you to share personal information.

4 gold mantras for protection

Choose official apps only: Always of NHAI ‘Rajmargyatra’ app, ‘MyFASTag’ Recharge through the portal or the official app of your authorized bank only.

Never share OTP: Banks or NHAI never ask you for OTP, PIN or FASTag ID over the phone.

Avoid numbers from Google search: Always get the customer care number from the official website only. Unknown numbers given on Google Maps or search may be fake.

Keep an eye on SMS alerts: Always keep message alerts of your bank and FASTag wallet on so that any tampering in the balance can be detected immediately.

What to do if you are cheated?

If you or someone you know has fallen into this trap, don’t waste time:

Helpline 1033: NHAI official helpline immediately 1033 Call at.

Cyber ​​Crime Report: your complaint cybercrime.gov.in Register at.

Information to the Bank: Immediately inform your bank and get the card or wallet blocked and lodge an FIR in the nearest police station.

Remember: Your vigilance is your safety. A hasty ‘scan’ on the highway can cost you dearly.