Paying cash instead of using FASTag could land you in trouble; a multi-crore scam is unfolding at toll plazas.

A moment of carelessness while paying highway tolls could result in your money ending up in the wrong hands. An ED investigation has uncovered a toll collection scam that is truly shocking.

Motorists who frequently travel on highways for work or other reasons often get FASTags to avoid wasting time making payments at toll plazas. However, technical issues with FASTags sometimes force them to pay in cash. If you also pay cash at tolls, be cautious; an ED investigation has exposed a fraud scheme linked to toll collection.

What was revealed?

The ED investigation has uncovered a major scam involving toll collection, revealing that cash payments made at toll plazas were never recorded in NHAI's official records. Several other irregularities also came to light during the probe.

What did the investigation reveal?

According to the investigating agency, some toll operators were using unauthorized mobile apps instead of the official government system to collect cash payments from motorists. Using these apps, operators generated fake receipts but failed to record the collected cash in NHAI's official accounts.

Crores of rupees recovered during the investigation

Approximately ₹1.03 crore in cash was recovered during the investigation. Furthermore, similar mobile apps are reportedly being used at around 100 toll plazas. The investigating agency has now launched a full-scale probe into the matter.

What happened to the cash payments?

Allegations suggest that the cash collected was never remitted to the NHAI but was instead diverted to private accounts. The investigation also revealed that some toll operators were using unauthorized mobile apps, such as 'Mobdata' and 'Any', to collect these cash payments. Moreover, this practice is being implemented in several states.

Keep a few important points in mind:

If the FASTag on your vehicle fails to work at a toll plaza for any reason, ensure you obtain a receipt when paying in cash. If the receipt appears suspicious or if you notice any discrepancies in the payment records, you can lodge a complaint through NHAI's official channels.