Imagine this: your car is parked safely outside your house, and suddenly, you receive a message saying that toll has been deducted from your Fastag balance. It sounds like a scam, right? Surprisingly, this has happened to many people. If this happens to you, there’s no need to panic. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get your money back if toll charges are wrongly deducted from your Fastag.
Understanding the Issue
Fastag is a convenient way to pay tolls automatically while driving on highways, but sometimes, technical glitches can lead to unexpected deductions. These errors can occur even when your vehicle is stationary, leading to confusion and frustration. However, by following the right steps, you can quickly resolve the issue and recover your money.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Prepare to Act
The first thing to do if you notice an incorrect deduction is to stay calm. There’s no need to worry, as there are established procedures to help you get your money back. Instead of searching for random solutions online, follow these steps to resolve the issue efficiently.
Step 2: Contact the National Highway Helpline
As soon as you notice an incorrect deduction, immediately call the National Highway Helpline at 1033. This helpline is available 24/7, so you can call at any time, even in the middle of the night, to report the issue.
When you call, inform the customer care representative that toll has been deducted from your Fastag balance without any travel. Be ready to answer a few essential questions, such as the current location of your car and the toll plaza where the deduction supposedly occurred. Providing accurate information will help the representative register your complaint quickly.
Step 3: Get a Complaint Number
Before ending the call, make sure to ask for your complaint number. This number is crucial as it will help you track your complaint and follow up if necessary. It’s important to keep this number safe until the issue is fully resolved.
Step 4: Report the Issue via WhatsApp
After registering your complaint on the helpline, the next step is to report the issue to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) via WhatsApp. Save the number 8810331033 on your phone under the name “NHAI.”
Open WhatsApp and start a chat with NHAI by sending a simple “Hi.” Then, send the number “4” to proceed. The system will ask if you’re messaging from the same number you used to lodge the complaint. Reply with “Yes” to confirm.
Step 5: Submit Required Documents
Once your complaint is acknowledged on WhatsApp, you’ll need to submit a few documents to support your case:
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC): Send clear photos of both the front and back of your car’s RC.
- Photos of the Car: Send pictures of your car from all sides to show that it hasn’t been moved.
- Screenshot of the Deduction Message: Send a screenshot of the message you received about the toll deduction.
These documents will help NHAI verify that the deduction was made in error and speed up the refund process.
Step 6: Wait for the Refund
After submitting the required documents, the refund process will begin. Typically, the money deducted will be credited back to your Fastag balance within a few days. However, it’s essential to be patient, as it may take up to 15 days in some cases.
Step 7: Check Your Fastag Balance
If you don’t receive a notification of the refund within a few days, don’t worry. It’s a good idea to check your Fastag balance history after 15 days to ensure that the refund has been processed. If the refund is still not reflected, you can follow up with the helpline or NHAI WhatsApp support using your complaint number.
Incorrect toll deductions from Fastag can be frustrating, but the issue can be resolved quickly by following the correct procedures. Remember to stay calm, act promptly by contacting the National Highway Helpline, and submit the necessary documents via WhatsApp. With these steps, you can ensure that your money is refunded and avoid any further inconvenience.
