Mangaluru: Two separate cyber fraud cases have been registered with the Mangaluru CEN Police after two men were allegedly cheated of a total of Rs 3,58,060 through a malicious APK link and a fake online electronics listing.

In the first case, a 42-year-old man lost Rs 1,96,400 after clicking a WhatsApp link sent by an unidentified person who claimed that a traffic fine had been imposed on his two-wheeler.

Man loses Rs 1.96 lakh after clicking fake traffic fine link

According to the complaint, the victim received a WhatsApp message stating that a fine of Rs 1,000 had been imposed on his two-wheeler for a traffic violation. The message contained a link to what appeared to be a traffic violation notice.

The complainant clicked the link, following which a malicious Android application package (APK) file was downloaded onto his mobile phone.

Soon afterwards, Rs 1,96,400 was allegedly debited from his credit card and transferred to an unknown account.

Realising that he had been cheated, the victim immediately contacted his credit card helpline and requested that the card be blocked to prevent further unauthorised transactions.

He subsequently lodged a complaint seeking action against the unidentified persons involved in the alleged cyber fraud.

The incident highlights the risks associated with clicking unverified links received through messaging platforms, particularly those claiming to be related to traffic fines, payments or official notices.

Buyer cheated of Rs 1.61 lakh in graphics card deal

In the second case, a 35-year-old man was allegedly cheated of Rs 1,61,660 while attempting to purchase a graphics card through an online listing posted by a firm operating under the name ‘Shri Ganesh Electronics’.

According to the complaint, the buyer came across the listing and contacted the seller to enquire about the product. The seller allegedly asked him to continue the conversation through WhatsApp.

To gain the buyer’s confidence, the person reportedly sent him a fake Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill for the graphics card.

Believing the document to be genuine, the complainant transferred Rs 1 lakh on October 6 and another Rs 61,660 on October 7, following the seller’s instructions.

The seller allegedly assured the buyer that the graphics card would be dispatched by courier on October 10.

However, when the complainant later requested a tracking identification number to verify the shipment, the seller allegedly refused to provide it and blocked the buyer’s phone number.

After realising that he had been cheated, the victim reported the incident to the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 and sought action against the person operating under the name Shri Ganesh Electronics.

Caution against online fraud

The two cases illustrate different methods allegedly used by cyber fraudsters: malicious links disguised as traffic violation notices and fake online product listings supported by fraudulent documents.

People are advised to avoid clicking on links received from unknown numbers, particularly those claiming to provide traffic challans or payment notices. Users should verify such information through official channels rather than downloading applications from unverified links.

Buyers purchasing electronic goods online should also verify the seller’s identity and business credentials before transferring money. GST bills, payment receipts and other documents shared by sellers should not be treated as proof of legitimacy without independent verification.

Anyone who suspects that they have been targeted by online financial fraud should contact their bank or card issuer immediately and report the incident through the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930.

The Mangaluru CEN Police have registered cases in connection with the two complaints.