Judge Loses Money to Sophisticated Online Scam in Mumbai, India
Malicious APK Used to Steal ₹93,000 from Mumbai Judge
In a recent incident highlighting the growing threat of mobile-based cyber scams, a judge in Mumbai fell victim to a phishing scheme, resulting in a loss of ₹93,000.
The case demonstrates the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals in using social engineering tactics to target even informed individuals.
On March 30, the judge experienced a technical issue with their Android phone, noticing a pink line on the screen. Assuming it was a software glitch, they searched for the customer care number of the mobile manufacturer but was unable to connect with the official support service.
A few hours later, they received a call from an unknown number claiming to be a customer support representative. The caller advised the judge to download a “customer support application” from an external link, which turned out to be a malicious APK.
After installation, the judge made two small payments of ₹10 each through Google Pay (GPay) to process the complaint, as instructed by the caller. However, upon reaching home and checking their bank account, they discovered unauthorized deductions of ₹90,000 and ₹3,000, amounting to a total loss of ₹93,000.
The funds were transferred to a PhonePe account, and an FIR has been filed.
This Incident Follows Closely On The Heels Of Another Cyber Fraud Case
In December 2023, a retired Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court also reported losing nearly ₹50,000 in a similar cybercrime incident.
Cybersecurity Experts Warn That APK-Based Fraud Is Becoming Increasingly Common
Cybersecurity experts warn that APK-based fraud is becoming increasingly common, where attackers trick users into installing malicious applications, granting them remote access to the device and allowing them to intercept sensitive information, including banking credentials and OTPs.
- APK files, screen-sharing apps, and fake customer care calls have emerged as major threats.
- People must exercise extreme caution before clicking on unknown links or installing applications from unverified sources.
The Authorities Are Currently Working To Trace The Perpetrator And Recover The Stolen Funds Through Transaction Tracking
The case serves as a stark reminder that even a small lapse in digital vigilance can lead to significant financial losses in today’s interconnected world.