Udupi: A case of online fraud involving the loss of ₹4.86 lakh has been reported in Udupi, highlighting the growing threat of cybercrime linked to malicious APK files shared through messaging platforms.
According to police sources, the victim, Abdul Hameed from Hejamady in Padubidri, received an APK file via WhatsApp on April 12. The file was sent from a mobile number belonging to an acquaintance, Kumaraswamy, which initially raised no suspicion.
Fraud triggered after APK installation
After downloading and installing the APK file, the victim’s bank account was allegedly compromised. Cybercriminals are believed to have gained unauthorised access to sensitive financial data through the malicious application.
On April 13, a total of ₹4.86 lakh was siphoned off from the victim’s account through multiple transactions. The fraudulent transfers reportedly took place within a short span of time, leaving little opportunity for intervention.
Case registered, probe under way
Following the incident, a complaint was filed at the Udupi cybercrime police station. Authorities have registered a case and initiated an investigation to trace the origin of the APK file and identify those responsible for the fraud.
Police officials suspect that the sender’s number may have been compromised or spoofed, a common tactic used by cybercriminals to gain the trust of victims.
Rising threat of APK-based cyber fraud
Experts warn that APK-based scams are increasingly being used to target unsuspecting users. These files, when installed, can grant attackers access to personal data, banking credentials, and even control over mobile devices.
Users are often deceived into downloading such files through messages that appear to come from known contacts, making it difficult to detect fraud at an early stage.
Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution and avoid downloading APK files from unknown or unverified sources. It is also recommended to install applications only from official app stores and to verify suspicious messages before taking any action.
Conclusion
The Udupi incident serves as a reminder of the evolving tactics used by cybercriminals and the importance of digital vigilance. As investigations continue, officials stress the need for greater awareness to prevent similar cases in the future.