Six Ahmedabad residents have allegedly been targeted in separate cyber fraud cases involving fake digital payment messages, gas-bill warnings, screen sharing, malicious APK files, stolen banking credentials and an Instagram investment scheme. The cases involved losses ranging from thousands of rupees to ₹20 lakh, with fraudsters using different methods to gain victims’ trust or access their accounts.
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How Did a Fake Google Pay Message Lead to a ₹55,000 Loss?
Chandniben Patel, a resident of Thaltej, received a call from an unknown person who claimed that her father had asked him to pay rent for a cricket ground in Hebatpur through her bank account.
The caller allegedly sent her a message showing a ₹10,000 payment, making the transaction appear genuine. He later claimed that he needed to send money to his brother in hospital but could not make the payment from his own account. He told Chandniben that he would transfer ₹90,000 to her.
Believing him, she transferred a total of ₹55,000. When the promised money did not arrive and the caller stopped responding, she checked the transaction and discovered that the earlier Google Pay payment message had allegedly been fabricated.
How Did a Fake Gas Bill Warning Cost a Victim ₹1.63 Lakh?
Mayurbhai Shah, a resident of Ambawadi, received a message purportedly from Adani Gas claiming that his bill had not been updated and that his gas connection would be disconnected at 9.30 pm.
He called the number provided in the message and was allegedly told that a payment link would be sent to clear the bill. His debit card details were obtained during the interaction.
₹1.63 lakh was subsequently siphoned from his bank account.
How Were Screen Sharing and an APK File Used to Target Victims?
Dr Jignesh Nayak, a resident of Ranip, received a call from an unknown number while playing BGMI on his mobile phone. The caller allegedly praised his gaming skills, claimed that his gaming ID was valuable and offered to add points to his account.
Jignesh was then asked to share his screen. After he did so, his phone suddenly switched off. When he turned it back on, he found that the ID and password of his BGMI account had been changed.
In another case, Darshikaben Makwana, a nurse living in Thaltej, searched Google for a Blinkit helpline while seeking a refund for a product she had not received.
She called a number that appeared in the search results and was allegedly sent an APK file by a person offering to process the refund. After the file was installed or used, ₹75,000 was withdrawn from her bank account without an OTP, according to her complaint.
How Were Stolen Banking Credentials Used in a ₹4.70 Lakh Fraud?
Sureshbhai Khatwani, a resident of Sargam Flats in the Satellite-Jodhpur area, reported that someone had obtained his bank-related information.
The accused allegedly used his ID and password to carry out transactions, resulting in a loss of ₹4.70 lakh.
The case was among the six separate cyber fraud complaints involving different methods of gaining access to victims’ money or digital accounts.
How Did an Instagram Investment Offer Lead to a ₹20 Lakh Fraud?
Harshadbhai Patel, a resident of Akash Ganga Bungalows in Naroda, suffered the largest reported financial loss among the six cases.
He came across an Instagram Reel offering investment returns and contacted the people behind it. He was allegedly promised profits in US dollars through trading.
Believing the investment offer, he transferred money on several occasions. The alleged fraudsters eventually collected ₹20 lakh from him.
The Cyber Crime Cell has started investigating the case.
How Can You Protect Yourself From Similar Cyber Frauds?
The cases also underline the need for greater caution while responding to unexpected calls, payment messages and online offers. Users should avoid installing APK files received from unknown sources, sharing screens or banking credentials, and calling customer-care numbers found through unverified searches. Utility payment warnings and investment offers should be verified through official apps or websites before any money is transferred.
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.
