APK fraud
Ahmedabad: Four Ahmedabad residents allegedly lost a combined Rs 27.3 lakh in separate cyberfrauds involving malicious APK files, fake service alerts and unauthorised digital transactions. The victims, who reported the cases to cybercrime police, alleged that fraudsters used fake security warnings, e-challan messages and service-related pretexts to gain access to their phones, banking credentials and financial details.
He began receiving multiple OTPs and transaction alerts around 7pm on Sept 27. He contacted his bank manager, blocked his account and reported the fraud to cybercrime helpline 1930. In another case, a 58-year-old CGST and central excise chief accounts officer allegedly lost Rs 7.3 lakh through four credit cards after his mobile number was illegally ported. His Airtel number suddenly lost network on Aug 17. In the third case, a 35-year-old businessman from Vastral allegedly lost Rs 7.2 lakh after receiving a WhatsApp message warning that his Adani Gas connection would be disconnected over an unpaid bill. In the fourth case, a 70-year-old retired resident of Sardar Nagar allegedly lost Rs 5.5 lakh through two unauthorised transactions from his Kotak Mahindra Bank account on Sept 4.
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In the first case, a 63-year-old jeweller from Naranpura allegedly lost Rs 7.2 lakh after receiving a fake “Google Play Protect” APK file. The application enabled fraudsters to access his mobile phone, internet banking credentials and OTPs, according to his complaint. He subsequently found an “RTO E CHALLAN.apk” file on his phone. A purported bill-update officer sent him an “Adani Gas Bill Update.apk” file and asked him to enter card details for a Rs 13 payment. Officials told him the transactions were made through PhonePe, which he said he did not use. Police later found an “e-challan APK” file on his phone.
He later learnt that it had allegedly been ported to Jio and shifted to the Kolkata circle under another person’s name. The complaint alleges that fraudsters used the APK to access his device, steal banking credentials and OTPs and conduct transactions through his credit cards. he later received OTPs and debit alerts Although initial transactions failed. He uninstalled the application, blocked his accounts and contacted cybercrime helpline. The complaint alleged that his card and banking details were subsequently used for fraudulent transfers. He discovered the debits while checking his statement and contacted the bank. Download the TOI App.