A resident of Muzaffarpur has lost ₹3.5 lakh after unknowingly downloading a remote access application sent by cybercriminals posing as courier company representatives. The case, registered at the Cyber Police Station following a complaint by Mohammad Naushad Alam of Sadpura, underscores how fraudsters are exploiting everyday digital searches to orchestrate large-scale theft.
How a Courier Delay Turned Into a Cyber Heist
The sequence began with a delayed delivery of medicines. In search of customer care assistance, Alam turned to Google for the number of the courier company. The number, however, was linked not to the service provider but to a fraudulent operator.
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According to the complaint, the fraudster first demanded a nominal transfer of ₹5 as an “emergency fee,” a tactic often used to test the validity of a victim’s account. Soon after, a WhatsApp message followed, containing an APK file presented as a customer support application. When installed, the file provided remote access to Alam’s phone, enabling the perpetrators to monitor and manipulate banking activities. Over the course of seven transactions, ₹3,50,200 was siphoned from his account.
Police confirmed that an FIR has been lodged, and investigations are underway to trace the number used in the fraud.
Cross-Border Links in Rising Cybercrime
This incident comes amid a pattern of cyber scams in Bihar involving international dialling codes. In a separate complaint, Noor Fatima, a teacher from Neem Chowk, reported losing ₹18,000 after receiving a call from a number beginning with Pakistan’s +92 code. The caller impersonated a bank officer and falsely claimed her debit card had expired. Under pressure, she disclosed sensitive details, leading to the withdrawal from her account.
Police officials acknowledge that fraud calls originating from international numbers, particularly those linked to Pakistan and other regions, have surfaced in multiple complaints. Despite frequent awareness campaigns, the scams continue to succeed, often exploiting urgency and fear to trap victims.
As investigations progress, authorities are emphasizing caution when searching for service-related numbers online and warning against downloading unfamiliar applications sent via messaging platforms. The Muzaffarpur case highlights not only the sophistication of these operations but also the vulnerabilities faced by ordinary citizens relying on digital tools for daily services.