A 63-year-old man in Ahmedabad was allegedly cheated of ₹20.06 lakh after opening an APK file sent to him on WhatsApp in the name of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch has registered a case and begun an investigation.
How Did the Fraud Begin?
According to the complaint, the elderly man received an APK file on WhatsApp that appeared to be connected to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
After the file was opened, the fraudsters allegedly gained remote access to his mobile phone. The device was then allegedly used to facilitate unauthorised withdrawals from bank accounts linked to the family.
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How Much Money Was Taken?
Between September 10 and September 22, a total of ₹20,06,305.47 was allegedly withdrawn through several transactions.
The money was taken from different bank accounts through IMPS transfers. The sudden withdrawals came to the family’s attention after the transactions had taken place.
The fraud did not remain limited to the elderly man’s bank account.
According to the complaint, accounts belonging to his wife and a friend were also targeted. The affected accounts were held with PNB, Bank of Baroda and Bank of India.
The money was allegedly withdrawn through multiple transactions rather than a single transfer.
How Was the Cyber Fraud Reported?
After the family realised the seriousness of the incident, the elderly man’s son contacted the national cybercrime helpline number 1930 and filed a complaint.
An official case was subsequently registered against unknown persons with the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch under sections relating to criminal conspiracy and cheating.
What Are Cyber Police Investigating?
The Cyber Crime Police have launched an investigation to identify the people behind the alleged fraud.
Investigators are examining technical surveillance information, IP addresses and bank transaction details in an effort to trace the accused and determine how the money moved.
What Warning Have Police Issued?
Cyber police have urged people to remain cautious when receiving unfamiliar APK files.
Citizens have been advised not to download or open unknown APK files, particularly those received through messages or other unsolicited channels. The case shows how opening a malicious file on a phone can potentially expose access to sensitive financial information.
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