A seventy-three-year-old retired central excise superintendent in Mumbai was defrauded of approximately three lakh fifty-seven thousand rupees after a cyber fraudster, posing as an official of Mahanagar Gas Limited, convinced him to install a malicious application on his smartphone to “update” his gas bill.
According to police, the complainant lives in Mulund (East) with his wife. On fourteenth March, he received WhatsApp messages from an unknown number claiming that his gas bill was unpaid and warning that his connection would be disconnected by evening. The message displayed the Mahanagar Gas Limited logo, which made him trust it.
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Within five minutes, the unknown caller contacted him, claiming to be an executive from the gas company, pressuring him to update his bill. The caller asked him to pay twelve rupees and warned that the connection would be cut if he did not comply. Fearing disconnection, the retired official agreed to pay twelve rupees.
After this, using the same APK file, the fraudster gained access to the victim’s bank accounts and financial transactions, gradually siphoning off approximately three lakh fifty-seven thousand rupees. Police said this scam highlights how a simple trick can enable large-scale cyber theft.
Experts said that such frauds typically target elderly citizens, who are less tech-savvy and more trusting. “Cybercriminals have learned to exploit mobile and social media platforms so that they can trap innocent people within minutes and steal significant sums,” said a cybersecurity expert.
Cyber Police: Never Install Unknown APKs
The Mumbai Police Cyber Crime Department warned citizens not to trust WhatsApp messages or calls from unknown numbers, especially when they involve installing APK files. Banks and government departments never request sensitive information via WhatsApp or phone calls.
The incident also exposed that elderly citizens and retired employees are the most vulnerable groups for cybercriminals. Police emphasized that in such cases, it is crucial to file complaints immediately and block digital transactions.
Security Tips for Senior Citizens
Local cybersecurity experts advised citizens to keep their mobile devices updated, enable two-factor authentication, and make payments only through official applications. Any suspicious message or call should be blocked and reported immediately.
Mumbai Police added that the investigation to identify and apprehend the fraudster is ongoing. They appealed to the public to exercise caution with fake bills, job offers, or bank-related messages and never download unknown applications.
Overall, this incident serves as a warning about the growing dangers of cybercrime and online fraud, particularly for elderly citizens and less tech-savvy individuals. Awareness and caution remain the first line of defense against such scams.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
