Mangaluru: Two cases involving cyber fraud linked to a fake traffic e-penalty link and the alleged theft of a mobile phone have been reported in coastal Karnataka, with victims collectively losing Rs 1,91,446.

In the first case, a 43-year-old Mangaluru resident allegedly lost Rs 1,71,599 from his bank accounts after downloading a malicious application through a fake traffic e-penalty link. A complaint has been registered at the CEN Crime Police Station.

The second case involves a 25-year-old passenger travelling by train from Mangaluru to Madgaon, who allegedly lost his mobile phone while the train was halted at Byndoor railway station. The complainant said Rs 19,847 was subsequently transferred through UPI using the stolen phone.

Man loses Rs 1.71 lakh after downloading fake application

According to the complaint, the 43-year-old man received a message at 9.06 am on October 18 asking him to check his car’s traffic record. He ignored the message.

However, at 7.59 am the following day, he received another message from the same number regarding a traffic e-penalty. After clicking the link, an application named ‘Mparivahan’ was downloaded onto his mobile phone.

The complainant alleged that unidentified persons had used a malicious Android application package (APK) file disguised as a traffic e-penalty link to gain access to his financial information and defraud him.

On October 20, between 6 pm and 6.30 pm, he received around 100 text messages from different numbers. Suspecting that something was wrong, he checked his bank accounts.

He then discovered that Rs 1,71,599 had been transferred through multiple transactions to an unknown person’s account.

Following the discovery, he approached the CEN Crime Police Station and lodged a complaint. The case highlights the risks associated with clicking suspicious links and downloading applications from unverified sources.

Passenger loses phone and Rs 19,847 through UPI

In the second incident, a 25-year-old passenger travelling from Mangaluru to Madgaon allegedly lost his mobile phone when the train stopped at Byndoor railway station at around 2 am.

The passenger, a Goa resident, was travelling in the S3 coach of train No. 09423 (MAJN–ADI) on berth No. 70 when the phone was reportedly stolen.

The stolen mobile phone was valued at approximately Rs 17,000. The complainant further alleged that Rs 19,847 was transferred through UPI using the phone.

Byndoor police have registered a case under Section 305(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act.

The two incidents illustrate different risks faced by mobile phone users: fraudulent applications distributed through deceptive messages and the potential misuse of financial services when a phone is stolen.

How to stay safe from cyber fraud

Cybersecurity awareness and prompt reporting can help reduce the risk of financial losses. Residents should be cautious when receiving messages about traffic fines, bank accounts, courier deliveries or other urgent matters.

Avoid clicking suspicious links: Do not open links in unexpected messages claiming that a traffic penalty is due. Check the details independently through official government services.

Download applications only from trusted sources: Fraudulent APK files can be disguised with names and logos resembling legitimate government applications. Avoid installing applications sent through SMS, messaging platforms or unknown websites.

Never share sensitive banking information: Do not disclose passwords, PINs, one-time passwords (OTPs) or other confidential financial details to unknown callers or through suspicious links.

Secure a stolen phone immediately: Contact the mobile network operator to block the SIM, use the phone’s official remote-locking features where available, and inform the bank or payment service provider if financial applications may be accessible.

Report suspected fraud promptly: Contact the bank immediately to report unauthorised transactions and request that further transactions be stopped. Cyber financial fraud can also be reported through India’s national cybercrime helpline, 1930, and the official portal at cybercrime.gov.in.

The term “digital arrest” is not a legal procedure under Indian law. Scammers may use threats of arrest, fabricated legal proceedings or claims of official authority to pressure victims into transferring money. Such demands should be treated with suspicion and independently verified.

The two reported cases serve as a reminder to verify unexpected messages, protect mobile devices and act quickly if a phone is stolen or an unauthorised transaction is detected.