FASTag fraud alert: NHAI cracks down on wrongful deductions – Here’s how to claim your refund

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken strict action against toll collectors for wrongful deductions from FASTag wallets, penalizing operators in at least 250 cases.

According to a report, the highways authority’s toll management entity, the Indian Highway Management Company Limited (IHMCL), has imposed a fine of INR 1 lakh for each violation.

This enforcement has led to a significant drop of nearly 70% in wrongful deductions. Currently, IHMCL receives around 50 genuine complaints per month, despite approximately 30 crore FASTag transactions occurring at toll plazas across India’s national highways.

What is a false FASTag toll deduction?

False FASTag toll deductions occur when money is incorrectly deducted from a vehicle owner’s FASTag account. Some common reasons include:

Wrong vehicle detection: The system mistakenly charges a vehicle that did not pass through the toll plaza.

uble deduction: A vehicle is charged twice for a single trip.

Incorrect toll charge: The vehicle is charged a higher amount or fo a different route.

Deduction without passing the toll: The account is debited even when the vehicle hasn’t crossed any toll plaza.

These mistakes could be the result of toll operators entering information incorrectly, system failures, or technical issues. Users that are impacted can complain to IHMCL and get a refund.

How to claim a refund for false FASTag deductions

According to an IHMCL official, customers can report false deductions by:

Calling 1033

Emailing falsededuction@ihmcl.com

Each complaint is investigated, and if a wrongful deduction is confirmed, a chargeback is issued to the customer immediately. Additionally, a fine of Rs 1 lakh is imposed on the toll operator responsible for the error.

How to report FASTag errors

Report any improper deductions you find as soon as you can to your bank or FASTag service provider. The bank’s customer service channels and website both provide contact information. If you’re submitting a complaint, include:

Transaction ID

Date and time of the deduction

Vehicle number

Any supporting documents

Why do false FASTag deductions happen?

Incorrect vehicle number entry: Manual entry errors by toll operators.

Technical glitches: Faulty toll booth systems leading to wrong or double deductions.

Incorrect FASTag placement: Poor placement or damaged tags may cause faulty readings.

Low account balance: Insufficient funds may lead to errors and deductions.

Multiple FASTags linked to one vehicle: If multiple active FASTags exist, duplicate deductions can occur.

Preventive measures to avoid wrong FASTag deductions

Ensure the vehicle number is correctly registered.

Regularly check FASTag transaction history for any discrepancies.

It is possible for misuse, including FASTag cloning, so report any unexpected deductions right once.

Contact customer support, dispute the charge with the bank, and request a new tag if there are incorrect deductions.

The problem of incorrect FASTag deductions can be lessened with the help of NHAI’s strict measures and consumer awareness, guaranteeing a more seamless journey for drivers.