Navi Mumbai police are receiving more than 50 calls every day on their helpline, with over half related to cyber fraud. Launched in 2024, the helpline has become an important point of contact for residents reporting digital scams as well as conventional crimes.
How Many Cyber Fraud Calls Are Reported Daily?
The Navi Mumbai police helpline, 88-28-112-112, receives more than 50 calls each day. More than half of these calls involve cyber fraud, taking the daily number of cyber-related complaints beyond 25.
Police data also shows that around 25 calls a day are connected specifically to APK-related frauds, making such scams a significant part of the complaints received through the helpline.
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How Are APK Frauds Carried Out?
The fraud often begins with a message concerning a gas bill, KYC update, electricity bill or another routine service. The victim is asked to download an Android Package Kit, commonly known as an APK file.
Once installed, the fraudulent application can provide access to the victim’s phone and potentially expose sensitive banking information.
How Much Money Did Navi Mumbai Residents Lose?
Three Navi Mumbai residents, including two senior citizens, collectively lost ₹26.59 lakh in July after allegedly downloading APK files sent by fraudsters posing as Mahanagar Gas employees.
In another case, a resident of Ulwe lost ₹13.37 lakh after being told that his gas connection would be disconnected over an unpaid bill.
What Should Victims Do After Spotting a Suspicious APK?
Police have advised people to act immediately after downloading a suspicious APK, clicking a dubious link or noticing an unauthorised transaction.
Reporting the incident without delay can help authorities trace or freeze stolen money.
Police stressed that the first few minutes following a cyber fraud can be crucial. The device used in the fraud may also contain information relevant to the incident.
What Other Complaints Does the Helpline Receive?
While APK-related fraud accounts for around 25 calls a day, the police helpline also receives complaints involving other offences.
Around 10 to 12 daily calls concern stolen mobile phones, while another 10 calls relate to issues including average, loan and credit-card fraud.
Why Are APK Files a Major Concern?
Fraudulent APK files can turn an ordinary-looking service message into a route for gaining access to a victim’s phone.
Messages about unpaid bills, KYC requirements or routine services may appear urgent, increasing the chances that recipients will follow instructions without checking their authenticity.
Police have advised residents not to download suspicious APK files or click dubious links. If an unauthorised transaction is detected, it should be reported immediately rather than waiting.
Also Read: https://the420.in/mumbai-mangalore-gas-apk-cyber-fraud-three-arrested/
What Should Residents Remember?
Messages threatening disconnection of essential services or demanding urgent action should be treated cautiously, particularly when they contain APK files or unfamiliar links.
Residents should avoid installing unverified applications and report suspected cyber fraud quickly, as early action may improve the chances of tracing or freezing stolen funds.
The420 Takeaway: “APK Fraud Is Turning Routine Messages Into Financial Traps”
The pattern of complaints shows how fraudsters are using familiar services such as gas bills, electricity payments and KYC updates to persuade people to install APK files. With around 25 APK-related calls reaching the Navi Mumbai police helpline daily, seemingly routine service messages containing unfamiliar download files deserve careful scrutiny before any action is taken.
About the author — Ayesha Aayat writes on cybercrime, digital safety, and emerging online threats. Her work focuses on public awareness, legal clarity, and technology-driven risks.
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