Cyber fraudsters allegedly targeted several residents in Bhopal, including a doctor from Chirayu Hospital and an official from AIIMS Bhopal, using fake electricity bill alerts, malicious APK files, false insurance return promises and impersonation tactics. Police said the cases were reported in the Habibganj and Bagsewania police station areas on Sunday, with victims losing lakhs of rupees through separate online scams.
Doctor Loses Money After Fake Electricity Call
One of the victims, a doctor at Chirayu Hospital and a resident of BHEL Sangam Colony, allegedly lost ₹1.63 lakh after receiving a call from a person posing as an electricity department employee. The caller reportedly asked him to update his IVRS details and sent him a link.
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Soon after the doctor clicked on the link, money was withdrawn from his bank account. Police suspect the link was used to capture sensitive details or enable unauthorised access to the victim’s banking information.
AIIMS Official Targeted Through APK File
In another case, an officer working in the management department of AIIMS Bhopal allegedly lost nearly ₹1.70 lakh after downloading an APK file sent to his mobile phone. Investigators believe the malicious file may have allowed cyber criminals to gain remote access to his device.
Police said the fraudsters allegedly used this access to misuse the officer’s credit card and carry out fraudulent transactions. The case has again raised concern over the growing use of APK files in cyber frauds, especially where victims are tricked into installing applications from unknown sources.
Police Probe Multiple Cyber Fraud Complaints
Police said at least three additional cyber fraud cases were reported on the same day. The methods used by fraudsters reportedly included fake insurance return promises and impersonation of law enforcement officials.
Cases have been registered in all incidents, and police have launched a detailed investigation into the network behind the frauds. Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious while receiving unknown calls or messages and warned against clicking suspicious links or downloading unverified files.
