What is FASTag Scams or Fraud? How to Prevent FASTag Scam?
What is FASTag Scams or Fraud? How to Prevent FASTag Scam?
FASTag Scams are not rare at all. Although the FASTag services have revolutionized the toll payment industry, proving to be a boon for the daily commuters. There are scams everywhere.
Be it a cyber fraud or privacy invasion, potential scams are ruling the world. To help you analyze the risk that comes in handy with NETC FASTag and how it can cause financial losses, this blog brings to you the grey side of the online FASTag services:
Money extortion via online means has taken over the whole industry in shock. Be it through UPI, credit card, Bank transfer, or be it now FASTag. What happens is that Scammers are clever, and they’ve found ways to exploit FASTag’s popularity. They exploit the FASTag system to steal money from the users, utilizing methods like phishing, cloning, and fake customer support.
As already mentioned, the scammers are clever, and they’ve found ways to exploit FASTag’s popularity. Here are the top frauds to watch out for based on real-time data:
Scammers pose as legit sellers, offering FASTags via phone calls, WhatsApp, or shady online platforms. You pay, they vanish, and your “FASTag” never works at tolls. In 2022, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre reported a 20% spike in online payment frauds, with fake toll tags being a growing chunk.
Ever got a text or email saying, “Your FASTag is expiring, click here to renew?” - That’s a classic phishing scam. These messages trick you into sharing personal or bank details. A 2023 NPCI advisory noted that 15% of FASTag-related complaints involved phishing attempts.
Fraudsters create websites that look like official FASTag portals. You enter your details, thinking you’re recharging your account, but they steal your info or money. Always check for “https://” and verified domain names.
Scammers set up fake FASTag customer care numbers, requesting sensitive information like OTPs to drain accounts. You get a call from someone claiming to be “FASTag support,” asking for your OTP or account details to “fix an issue.”
Spoiler: they’re not legit. NPCI’s 2024 fraud report flagged a 10% rise in such impersonation scams targeting toll users.
Some scammers hack into FASTag accounts or clone tags, leading to unauthorized deductions. A 2023 study by the Ministry of Road Transport found that 5% of FASTag users reported unexplained transactions, often due to compromised accounts.
India’s digital toll system is booming, with FASTag transactions crossing ₹5,000 crore monthly in 2024, per NPCI data. This massive adoption makes it a goldmine for scammers.
Plus, many users aren’t tech-savvy or aware of fraud tactics, making them easy targets. The rush to go cashless, while has opened doors for cybercriminals to exploit trust in digital systems.
Knowledge is power, so here’s how to sniff out a scam before it bites:
Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers: A FASTag for ₹50? Nope, it’s a trap. Official tags cost around ₹100 plus a refundable deposit, per NPCI guidelines.
Urgent Requests: Scammers love creating panic, like “Pay now or your FASTag will be blocked!” Legit providers never rush you.
Suspicious Links: Hover over links in emails or texts. If the URL looks weird (e.g., “fastag-offer.xyz”), don’t click.
Caller ID Check: Fraudsters spoof numbers to seem legit. If “FASTag support” calls, hang up and dial the official helpline.
Account Alerts: Unexpected deductions? That’s a red flag. Check your FASTag balance regularly via the official app or website.
Don’t let scammers ruin your road trips. Here are the tips to prevent FASTag Scams:
Only buy new FASTag from authorized banks, or recharge FASTags through verified platforms like the Park+, NPCI’s MyFASTag app, or bank portals. In 2023, 90% of scam victims used unofficial sites, per a Cybercrime Cell report. Always verify the URL starts with “https://” and matches the provider’s domain.
Never share your OTP, bank details, or FASTag ID with anyone, even if they claim to be from customer support. NPCI’s 2024 advisory emphasized that legit providers never ask for sensitive info via calls or texts.
Set up SMS or email alerts for every FASTag online recharge or deduction. Park+ app lets you set low-balance notifications, so you’re instantly aware of any fishy activity. Regular monitoring caught 70% of frauds early, per a 2023 NPCI study.
If you get a suspicious call, hang up and contact the official helpline. This simple step reduced scam success rates by 25% in 2024.
Spot something off? Report it to your FASTag provider and bank ASAP. You can also file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in or call 155260 (9 AM–6 PM). Quick reporting resolved 80% of fraud cases within a week, per 2023 data.
Use strong, unique passwords for your FASTag account. A mix of letters, numbers, and symbols works best. Also, check your transaction history weekly to catch any unauthorized charges early.
If you fall victim, don’t panic—act fast:
Contact Your Provider: Call your FASTag issuer to block your tag and report the fraud.
Inform Your Bank: Alert your bank to freeze linked accounts or reverse unauthorized transactions.
File a Complaint: Report the scam on cybercrime.gov.in or with your local police. Include screenshots, call logs, or emails as evidence.
Monitor Accounts: Keep an eye on your bank and FASTag accounts for further suspicious activity.
In 2024, NPCI’s AI-enabled FASTag system auto-detected and refunded 60% of incorrect transactions within 3–7 days, so prompt reporting is key.
FASTag services are surely a life-changing innovation helping daily commuters overcome the hassle on India’s highways, but with every tech innovation comes great responsibilities and potential risks. Scammers are out there, but with awareness and a few smart habits, you can keep them at bay. Just practice safe methods of payment and recharge, follow the above tips, and live a cautious life ahead.