Punjab man charged toll tax when he was ‘chilling at home’, FASTag responds
Toll plaza in India (File photo)
A man from the northern Indian state of Punjab claimed he was charged INR 220 ($2.6) in toll tax even though he was chilling at home. The man, Sunderdeep Singh from the Ludhiana district, took to social media platform X to report the unauthorised FASTag transaction. FASTag is a device that employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments in India directly while the vehicle is in motion.
Singh said he was surprised as he didn’t even travel through that route in August. "Hi, FASTag NETC. Money is deducted when I am chilling at home and haven't even travelled that route this month. What's going on?," the man posted on his X account. He also attached a screenshot of the debit message that he received on his mobile phone following the transaction.
FASTag responds
FASTag responded to the post, advising him to check with the issuing bank and raise an issue.
The man was assured that his complaint would be reviewed and a refund would be initiated if the transaction was found to be erroneous.
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"Hi, please get in touch with the issuing bank's customer service desk to report the incorrect deduction issue. They will review your complaint and raise a chargeback for the incorrectly deducted fare based on its merit. Thank you," FASTag NETC replied in the comment section.
Reaction on social media
Several users on social media shared their similar experiences in the comment section.
“Happening with us since the past 1 year. Some other car is using our car registration number. All their challans and fast tag deductions are directed to us. After countless police station and bank branch visits, we have started considering it as a separate house expense,” one user complained.
“Ended up paying twice. Their sensor didn't work and was asked to pay cash citing low balance (surprised me).Within a minute of crossing I get a message the amount has been deducted from my account,” a second user said.
“Never buy fast tag linked to your bank account. Always buy from third party and keep the balance low or add money in wallet just before travelling,” a third user suggested.
(With inputs from agencies)