APK malware fraud: Hyderabad man duped by fake doctor’s appointment, loses over Rs 4 lakh
The victim said he was sent a file named ‘Doctors_Appointment.apk’. He was asked to download and install the file and fill in his details. He was asked to pay a token amount of Rs 10 to confirm the appointment.
By Newsmeter Network
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Hyderabad: A 57-year-old resident of Riyasat Nagar here lost over Rs 4 lakh after he tried to book a doctor’s appointment through a mobile number he found online.
After calling the number, an unidentified person contacted him through WhatsApp and sent him an APK file through which the scammers could access his accounts and withdraw money without authorisation.
Case details
The case was reported on January 24 by the Riyasat Nagar resident. The victim said he was sent a file named ‘Doctors_Appointment.apk’. He was asked to download and install the file and fill in his details. He was asked to pay a token amount of Rs 10 to confirm the appointment.
After installing the APK file, he became suspicious and attempted to delete the application but was unsuccessful. He then disconnected his mobile from Wi-Fi and switched it off. On the morning of January 25, at around 8 am, when he checked his bank balance through the PhonePe app, he noticed multiple unauthorised transactions and realised that his phone had been compromised.
He immediately reported the incident to the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930). The total financial loss in the fraud amounted to Rs 4,57,829.
Do not trust phone numbers found on unauthorised sites
- Do not trust phone numbers or links for doctor appointments found randomly on Google searches.
- Fraudsters may redirect you to WhatsApp and send malicious APK files in the name of booking appointments.
- Never download or install APK files received through WhatsApp, SMS, or unknown links.
- Installing such apps can give criminals remote access to your mobile phone.
- Hackers can capture your banking details, OTPs and personal information without your knowledge.
- Always download applications only from the official Google Play Store or verified hospital websites.
- Do not pay token amounts or share personal/banking details with unknown persons.
- If you suspect fraud, immediately disconnect your mobile from the internet and inform your bank.
Where to report cyber fraud?
- Immediately call 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline).
- Lodge a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in
- For the latest cyber awareness updates, follow the Cyberabad police on their social media:
https://www.facebook.com/
https://www.instagram.com/
