Two Hyderabad residents suffered major financial loss after malicious APK files sent via WhatsApp compromised their mobile phones, highlighting rising cyber fraud risks and prompting police advisories on digital safety.
Cyberfraud Strikes Kavadiguda Residents
In Hyderabad, two individuals from Kavadiguda became victims of cyberfraud through dangerous APK files received on their mobile phones via WhatsApp. In the first case, a 48-year-old man mistakenly opened a link containing an APK file related to RTO challan. This action resulted in unauthorized debits of ₹51,226 and ₹50,000 from his account, together amounting to ₹1.01 lakh.
The second incident involved a 41-year-old man who discovered four illicit transactions totaling ₹5 lakh from his HDFC Bank account. The withdrawals occurred after an APK file named “RTA challan 140.apk” was found installed on his phone without his knowledge. Both cases point to sophisticated tactics in mobile phishing aimed at quietly compromising targets and draining their finances.
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Phones Compromised, Losses Mount
Authorities suspect that the victims’ mobile phones were compromised through the installation of these malicious APKs, leading to combined financial losses of approximately ₹6.01 lakh. Such cyber attacks demonstrate the mounting risks associated with links and files shared through popular mobile messaging platforms. Once installed, these files can give fraudsters access not only to personal information but also to crucial financial credentials, enabling illegal transactions that are often difficult to reverse.
Police Advisory and Public Warning
Responding to the incidents, police issued advisories urging the public to exercise caution. Scammers, they warned, are distributing rogue APK files via WhatsApp groups and messages, targeting unsuspecting users. Once an APK is installed, it can access the victim’s banking details and mobile phone data, facilitating significant financial losses. Police stressed that APK files or apps should never be downloaded or installed from unknown sources or unfamiliar links, especially those circulating on WhatsApp, SMS, or social media.
Urgent Measures Against Mobile Scams
Officials also emphasized not sharing sensitive personal or banking details, including OTPs, with anyone. For suspicious deductions, victims are advised to lodge complaints at the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) or dial 1930. For reporting fraud, people can also contact police by call or WhatsApp at 8712665171. The scale of these frauds underscores ongoing vulnerabilities in mobile device security, urging increased public vigilance and rapid response to suspicious digital activity.