There is a fake FASTag annual pass scam that’s creating ruckus among vehicle owners looking to travel on India’s vast network of national highways. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued a strong public alert warning highway users about a growing wave of fraudulent websites and fake links pretending to sell the popular FASTag Annual Pass – a new service for vehicle owners, which was released last year.
FASTag users on radar of new phishing scam
Fraudsters are taking advantage of the Rs 3,000 FASTag Annual Pass, which allows up to 200 trips or one full year of travel on national highways for eligible private non-commercial vehicles. Scammers create look-alike websites that appear legitimate — often ranking at the top of Google search results through paid ads and manipulated SEO. Victims are lured into entering payment information or scanning malicious QR codes, leading to:
– Direct financial loss of approximately Rs 3,000 per transaction.
– Diversion of funds to mule bank accounts.
– Theft of sensitive personal and vehicle details.
Several users have already reported falling victim, with complaints escalating and being tracked by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs.
How to avoid FASTag scam online
NHAI has clarified that the FASTag Annual Pass is sold exclusively through the official Rajmarg Yatra mobile app. No other websites, social media pages, WhatsApp/Telegram links, third-party sellers, or external platforms are authorised to offer or process the pass.
In a multi-platform advisory posted on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and other channels, NHAI stated, “#NHAI cautions commuters against fake websites and unauthorised links claiming to sell FASTag Annual Passes. The #FASTagAnnualPass is available only through the official Rajmargyatra App. Any other platform offering the pass is not authorised and may result in financial fraud or misuse of personal information.”
To protect yourself, NHAI recommends the following:
– Activate or purchase the FASTag Annual Pass only via the Rajmarg Yatra app.
– Never click on suspicious links, advertisements, or messages promising the pass.
– Avoid sharing FASTag, vehicle, or payment details on unverified sites.
– Immediately report suspicious websites or fraud attempts to cybercrime authorities.
