What began as a simple online search for a doctor’s contact number turned into a financial nightmare for a family in Anupshahr. Cyber fraudsters allegedly duped an ailing man and his wife of ₹18,61,970 by persuading him to download a mobile application named ‘Doctor Appointment’ on the pretext of scheduling a medical consultation. A complaint has been lodged at the Cyber Crime Police Station, and an investigation is currently underway.
Google Search Leads to Fraud Call
According to the complaint, the victim, a resident of Mohalla Kedar Sahay in Anupshahr, searched Google on December 1, 2025, for a doctor’s phone number as he was unwell and seeking medical advice. He dialed a number that appeared in the search results. The person on the other end claimed to be associated with a doctor and assured him of arranging an immediate appointment.
Malicious App Permissions Granted
The caller then instructed him to download an app called ‘Doctor Appointment’ to proceed with the booking. Trusting the caller due to his urgent health condition, the victim installed the application. During the process, he was asked to grant certain permissions on his phone, which he accepted without suspecting foul play.
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Remote Phone Access Exploited
Investigators suspect that these permissions enabled the fraudsters to gain remote access to the victim’s mobile device. This may have allowed them to monitor his screen activity, intercept one-time passwords (OTPs), and access sensitive banking details.
Because the victim remained unwell, he did not regularly check his phone notifications or bank messages for several days. Taking advantage of this window, the fraudsters allegedly initiated a series of transactions from his bank account.
₹18.61 Lakh Siphoned in Tranches
Between February 19 and February 25, 2026, a total of ₹10,07,561 was withdrawn from the victim’s account through 20 separate transactions. The amounts were transferred in smaller tranches, presumably to avoid triggering immediate suspicion.
The fraudsters also targeted his wife’s bank account. From February 20 to February 26, ₹8,54,409 was siphoned off through multiple transactions. The family became aware of the fraud only on February 26, when they checked the accumulated debit messages on the phone. Shocked by the repeated alerts, they immediately contacted the bank and requested that the accounts be blocked.
Cyber Crime FIR Registered
Subsequently, a formal complaint was filed at the Cyber Crime Police Station. A case has been registered under relevant legal provisions, and authorities are examining transaction details, beneficiary accounts, and digital trails linked to the app. Efforts are being made to trace the accounts where the funds were transferred and to determine how the money was further routed.
Screen-Sharing App Suspected
Preliminary findings suggest that the app may have functioned as a remote access or screen-sharing tool, enabling the accused to view banking activities in real time. Cyber experts warn that relying on unverified contact numbers found through online searches can pose serious risks.
Medical Emergency Warnings
They advise citizens to obtain doctors’ contact details only from official websites or trusted sources and to avoid downloading applications suggested by unknown callers. Granting extensive permissions to unfamiliar apps can compromise personal and financial data.
The incident once again highlights how cyber criminals exploit medical emergencies and digital dependence to execute well-planned frauds. Vigilance, regular monitoring of bank alerts, and cautious digital behaviour remain the most effective safeguards against such crimes.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
