In one case, a 29-year-old man from Domalguda put in an utility named, pmkisan.apk, believing it to be linked to a authorities scheme. Soon after, ₹1 lakh was fraudulently debited from his checking account.
In one other incident, a 41-year-old resident of Mangalhat acquired a WhatsApp hyperlink to obtain RTO e-challan.apk. After set up, his web banking credentials had been compromised, leading to unauthorised transactions totalling ₹1.47 lakh.
A 3rd sufferer, whereas looking out on-line for automobile leases, was directed to a faux web site. After paying ₹149 as affirmation payment, a malicious app named shriramcarrentals.apk was robotically put in on his cellphone. Fraudsters then made steady debits that totalled ₹2.60 lakh.
Investigators mentioned the circumstances replicate a rising pattern the place fraudsters disguise dangerous apk information as official authorities, transport, or enterprise companies to steal banking credentials and drain victims’ accounts.
The Cybercrime Unit has urged media shops to assist unfold consciousness, warning residents to not obtain or set up apk information acquired by way of WhatsApp, SMS, or social media. Officials defined that after put in, such apps can remotely entry gadgets, intercept messages and OTPs, and switch cash with out the sufferer’s information.
Police issued the next security advisory: by no means obtain APK information from unverified hyperlinks; set up apps solely from official app shops; keep away from sharing banking particulars, OTPs, or passwords with unknown sources; and chorus from granting screen-sharing permissions to strangers or unverified apps. Citizens are additionally suggested to maintain their cellphone safety up to date and use trusted antivirus software program.
Victims of cyber fraud can report incidents instantly on the nationwide helpline 1930 or at www.cybercrime.gov.in. For emergencies, Hyderabad Cybercrime Police will also be reached on WhatsApp at 8712665171.
Published – October 31, 2025 11:11 pm IST








