Belagavi (Karnataka): A man in Karnataka’s Belagavi allegedly fell victim to a cyber fraud while attempting to book a doctor’s appointment for his mother. According to police, fraudsters sent a fake APK file under the pretext of appointment registration after he contacted a mobile number found through a Google search. Shortly after the file was installed on his wife’s phone, ₹98,002 was allegedly withdrawn from her bank account without authorization. A case has been registered at the City CEN (Cyber, Economic and Narcotics) Police Station, and an investigation is underway.
According to the complaint, Hanuman Nagar resident Sanjeev Kumar was trying to schedule a medical appointment for his mother’s health check-up. He called a mobile number that appeared in a Google search. The person who answered allegedly claimed to represent the appointment service and sent an APK file, instructing him to install it to complete the registration process.
The complaint states that the APK file did not open on Sanjeev Kumar’s phone. He then used his wife’s mobile phone to open the file and complete the purported registration. Shortly afterward, ₹98,002 was allegedly transferred from her bank account without authorization. Realizing that they had been defrauded, the family approached the police.
During the preliminary investigation, police suspect that the APK file contained malicious software (malware) that gained unauthorized access to the mobile device and sensitive banking information, enabling the fraudulent transaction. Investigators are examining digital evidence, banking records, mobile data and communication logs to identify those responsible.
Police have advised the public not to download APK files, click unknown links or install applications received through phone calls, WhatsApp messages or SMS claiming to facilitate doctor appointments, customer support, KYC updates or other services. Citizens are urged to use only the official websites or verified mobile applications of hospitals, institutions and service providers.
According to the Future Crime Research Foundation, APK-based cyber frauds commonly involve fake mobile applications that install malware on victims’ devices. Once installed, the malware may attempt to access banking credentials, SMS messages, OTPs and other sensitive information. Experts recommend downloading applications only from official app stores and avoiding APK files received from unknown or unverified sources.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh has repeatedly cautioned that no legitimate bank, hospital or government agency asks users to install APK files through WhatsApp or SMS. He advises citizens to ignore such requests, independently verify any communication through official channels, and immediately report suspected cyber fraud to the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Prompt reporting significantly improves the chances of freezing fraudulent transactions and minimizing financial losses.
