The FASTag system has changed the dynamics of toll plazas and collection of toll tax in India, especially on busy highways. This electronic method has made life of commuters easy and hassle-free, aiming for digital and cashless transactions. However, the use of FASTag is both bane and boon. Although it gives flexibility and ease for commuters, this digital transaction is the new target for fraudsters who are always on the lookout for new ways to loot people. In this post, we will explore the common frauds and scams associated with FASTag and the ways to protect yourself from them.

Common FASTag Frauds and Scams

Check your FASTag account for any non-authenticated transactions regularly and if you come across any suspicious activities, report it to the concerned authority, or toll company. Let us look at some of the common FASTag frauds and scams and ways to protect yourself:

1. Phishing Scams

One of the most common is phishing scams. In this common technique, the fraudster easily steals money using cybersecurity attacks. In FASTag phishing, fraudsters send fake alerts, emails, etc, claiming to be from a FASTag centre or other authority. With a link, they will take you to a fake FASTag website, similar to the original website, making the scam easier.

By verifying the person and getting their bank details, PIN, or even OTPs, people can make huge transactions from your accounts. The fraudsters may also send bogus messages claiming that your FASTag account is blocked or an update is required, with a link that would redirect you to fix the issue.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Always verify the source: If you get any SMS or email to update your FASTag details, confirm that the source is valid and click on it only after validation. It’s always better to visit the official FASTag website directly to update your details (take help of your browser).
• Do not share personal details: Never share your bank account details, PINs, and OTPs demanded by anyone over the phone, email, or text. Legitimate organisations never ask you to share sensitive information over a call, email or text.
• Look out for red flags: Many times, poor grammar, spelling errors, and generic greetings in an email or SMS are indicators that you may be a phishing target. Always verify the source before taking any action.

2. Fake FASTag Recharge Portals

A fairly common FASTag scam is the fake FASTag recharge portals. These websites and apps are fraudulent but claim to recharge FASTag at discounted rates. When users attempt to recharge their FASTag through these platforms, their money is debited from their account, but the recharge is never applied to their FASTag.

Usually promoted through social media, search engines, or even SMS, a fake payment portal looks similar to your financial provider's online platform. As a result, customers may lose money and discover that their FASTag has not been recharged.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Use official channels: Always recharge your tag using the official FASTag app or website only. Some banks, like ICICI Bank, support charging your FASTag via their official net banking account, mobile banking applications like the iMobile Pay app, UPI, Debit/Credit cards, etc.
• Avoid deals that seem too good to be true: Any website or app that lets you recharge for too cheap is probably going to scam you. Visit only the trusted and verified platforms to recharge FASTag.
• Check the URL: Start by checking to see if it is written as "https://" which means that you are in a secure network. Also, ensure you see the padlock in your browser address bar that indicates a website is secure.

3. Unauthorised FASTag Issuance

In these cases, there have been reports of fraudsters even issuing FASTags with stolen or fake identities. They may also collect your details and avail a FASTag in your name for phishing or data breach techniques. Fraudsters can use this unauthorised FASTag for toll payments and other fraudulent activities.

The victims of such scams are unaware and learn that a FASTag exists in their name when they receive toll deductions or notices for pending amounts.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Monitor your account: Always scrutinise your bank and FASTag accounts for any spontaneity in terms of transactions or deductions. You will always get notifications on your registered email and contact number regarding any transactions related to your FASTag.
• Report any discrepancies immediately: Always check the details and report any unauthorised FASTag issuance or transactions immediately.
• Secure your personal information: Do not share your private information such as your Aadhaar card, PAN card, and bank details, to anybody in a rush or for any projected benefits.

4. Fraudulent Customer Support

Fraudulent customer support is another way scammers deceive FASTag users. In this scam, people pretend to be customer care executives from a FASTag company. They make you anxious by calling and saying there is a problem with your FASTag account and you should address it now.

The other possible thing is, that they can ask for your Bank account details or OTPs and UPI PIN to get the issue resolved. After they get these details, they carry out unauthorised transactions through your account.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be cautious of unsolicited calls: Authorised FASTag service providers and banks will never call you to ask for sensitive information like your OTP, or PIN.
• Verify the caller: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be with a FASTag service provider, disconnect and dial on the official customer care number for confirmation.
• Do not panic: Scammers tend to make you act fast. Double-check before you take any action.

5. Cloning or Tampering with FASTag

Cloning or tampering with FASTag is a complex fraud that involves physically modifying the RFID chip embedded in the FASTag. The main issue is that fraudsters can clone your FASTag and then use it at a different toll plaza while the charges are deducted from your bank account.

There are also several cases where fraudsters edit a FASTtag, redirecting wrong toll charges to another account. As this fraud essentially involves tampering with the physical tag, it can be difficult to detect.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Inspect your FASTag regularly: Periodically check if someone has tampered with or removed the tag.
• Report any suspicious activity: If you notice unauthorised debits from your FASTag account, especially if the tag has already been scanned at the toll plaza, report it immediately.
• Keep your vehicle secure: Park the car in a safe place to prevent tampering with your FASTag.

6. Fraudulent FASTag Agents

These individuals act as representatives of a genuine FASTag domestic service provider. Such fraudsters might catch you at toll plazas, parking areas, or even online to sell/recharge your FASTag for a lot of money.

These agents might charge you a high amount for nestling or recharging the FASTag and some of them may even issue FASTags that are not accessible at toll plazas. The victims will end up with the tagging process not working and being robbed.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Purchase FASTag from authorised sources: Always buy FASTag through authorised banks, toll plazas, or online websites only. Avoid private sellers or third-party brokers to reduce the risk of scams.
• Verify the credentials of the agent: In case you are contacted by anyone who claims to be calling on behalf of the FASTag customer service, ask for their official identification and verify before engaging with them.
• Keep a record of your purchase: Ensure that you purchase your FASTag from an authorised source with a proper receipt or confirmation message. This is something that may help you out in case of disputes or issues with the tag itself.

Conclusion

While FASTag offers immense convenience and efficiency for toll payments, it is necessary to be aware of any kind of risks and be cautious. You can protect yourself by taking the necessary FASTag fraud prevention steps beforehand. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods, but with the guidelines mentioned above, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to FASTag-related scams.

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