Indore: A woman in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore has alleged that fraudsters extorted nearly ₹4.5 lakh from her after she borrowed ₹40,000 through a mobile loan application. The case, registered at Banganga police station, involves allegations of data theft, threats, morphed photographs and repeated blackmail through WhatsApp calls and messages from international numbers.
Loan App Allegedly Accessed Personal Data
According to the complaint, the woman downloaded a loan app in October 2025 after facing urgent financial needs. She applied for a seven-day loan of ₹40,000 after being drawn by promises of quick approval and minimal documentation.
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During the application process, the app allegedly sought several permissions to access data stored on her smartphone. The woman approved the permissions without suspecting misuse.
A few days later, she began receiving WhatsApp calls and messages from international numbers. The callers claimed to be loan recovery agents and allegedly pressured her to make additional payments. The victim told police that after installing the app, fraudsters gained access to her photographs, videos, contact list and other personal information.
Morphed Photos Used for Blackmail
The complaint states that the accused threatened to edit her photographs into obscene images and circulate them among her relatives, friends and contacts if she did not pay. Fearing social embarrassment and reputational harm, she transferred money to several bank accounts and UPI IDs provided by the fraudsters.
According to her statement, she paid nearly ₹4.5 lakh over the past six months. Despite this, the accused allegedly continued demanding more money.
The woman also alleged that, in some instances, small amounts ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 were deposited into her bank account without her consent. The fraudsters later claimed these deposits were fresh loans and demanded much higher repayments with interest and penalties.
Police Examine Accounts and Digital Trail
The ordeal reportedly intensified when the accused allegedly edited her photographs and sent them to people known to her. Soon after, she began receiving calls from relatives and acquaintances, causing severe mental distress. For several months, she did not inform her family because of fear and embarrassment.
The matter came to light after family members noticed unusual withdrawals from her bank account and questioned her about her financial condition. After learning about the alleged extortion, they encouraged her to approach the police and file a formal complaint.
Police are now examining the bank accounts, UPI IDs and mobile numbers used in the transactions. Investigators suspect the case may be linked to an organised cybercrime network operating through fake instant-loan applications.
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said fraudsters increasingly exploit financial vulnerability and fear of social humiliation to force victims into repeated payments. Authorities have advised citizens to verify loan applications before downloading them and to report suspicious activity through the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or the nearest cyber police station.
