FASTag Payment Scam in India Alert, An NHAI warning

Over the past 6–8 months, multiple complaints related to fake FASTag recharge portals have surfaced across India.

The FASTag payment scam in India involves fraudsters creating fake websites that impersonate official FASTag recharge portals.

FASTag is an electronic toll collection system implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under theNational Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) program. The fake FASTag websites appear genuine and are designed to trick vehicle owners into making online payments. The money is redirected to cybercriminals instead of recharging the FASTag account.

FASTag Payment Scam Explained ! Cybercriminals Are Targeting FASTag Users With These Online Scams :

1. Fake Websites

They create websites that:

Copy government logos
Use similar domain names
Mimic official layouts
Display fake customer support numbers

2. Search Engine Manipulation

Scammers:

Run paid advertisements
Use keywords like “FASTag official recharge”
Push their websites to appear at the top of search results

3. Payment Redirection

Once a user enters:

Vehicle number
Mobile number
Card or UPI details

The amount gets deducted, but the FASTag is never recharged.

Infographic alert about a FASTag Payment Scam targeting NHAI FASTag annual pass users, showing how scammers use fake government websites, sponsored Google ads, deceptive branding, and QR code payments to steal money, along with safety tips like using official NHAI channels, avoiding ad links, and reporting fraud at cybercrime.gov.in or calling 1930.

Why FASTag Payment Scam Are Becoming More Common

The rise of digital payments has made online recharge common.

Users often click the first link in search results
Many people do not verify URLs carefully
Fraudsters are extensively using understand SEO and digital marketing to rank the fake sites on the google & run ads as well.

📌 The FASTag scam works because it blends ignorance with human urgency.

Official Guidelines to Avoid FASTag Payment Scam

The government’s official cyber complaint platform, the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, has been receiving complaints related to online payment frauds. Banks and highway authorities have repeatedly advised users to:

Recharge only through official bank apps
Avoid unknown recharge links
Verify website domains carefully

Users who face such fraud can report it immediately through the official cybercrime portal.

How to Identify a Fake FASTag Website

Before making any FASTag payment:

✔ Check the website domain spelling carefully
✔ Avoid clicking on sponsored ads without verification
✔ Use official bank apps instead of random Google links
✔ Do not trust unknown customer care numbers
✔ Confirm recharge through your bank’s official channel

📌 Remember :

Do not rush
Verify before paying
Cross-check official sources
Ask someone knowledgeable if unsure
If anything feels unusual, stop immediately.

How to report a FASTag Report Scam ?

Immediately call 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline) if money has been deducted.
Report online at https://www.cybercrime.gov.in
Select “Report Other Cyber Crime” or “Financial Fraud” (if payment is involved).
Upload screenshots, transaction details, phone numbers, website links, or QR codes used in the scam.
Inform your bank immediately to block the transaction and secure your account.
Report the incident to your FASTag issuing bank or the official NHAI or Rajmarg Yatra app.

Act fast! Early reporting may help recover your money.

How to Recharge FASTag, Official Methods

1. Online Recharge (Fastest)

Bank Apps & Portals: Use your FASTag-issuing bank’s website or mobile app (e.g., SBI YONO, HDFC FASTag portal, ICICI iMobile, Axis Mobile) for direct recharge.
Rahmarg Yatra App: Official NHAI app for Annual Pass purchase/recharge from any bank.
UPI Apps: Recharge via Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, or Amazon Pay by selecting FASTag and entering your vehicle number.
BBPS & Net Banking: Recharge through BBPS-enabled apps or transfer funds via your bank’s net banking/NEFT/RTGS.

2. Offline & Direct Methods

POS Locations: Recharge at authorized toll plaza points, RTOs, and transport hubs.
Bank Branches: Visit any authorized bank branch to recharge.
Cash Payments: Available at authorized POS counters.

3. Auto-Recharge

Standing Instructions / UPI Mandate: Set up automatic top-ups via your bank or UPI when your balance falls below a threshold.

📌 Important Notes:

>For support, call NPCI helpline: 1033.

>Maintain a minimum balance of ₹200 for smooth toll payments.

>Non-KYC users: max wallet ₹10,000; Full-KYC users: max ₹1,00,000.

>One Vehicle, One FASTag: Only one valid tag per vehicle.

At Prime Infoserv, we believe cybersecurity is not only about providing protection services but also about educating users about emerging digital threats. Awareness remains the first layer of defence.

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