Ahmedabad Family Loses ₹20 Lakh to WhatsApp Scam: Unknown APK Threat
A 63-year-old individual in Ahmedabad reportedly lost ₹20.06 lakh after interacting with a malicious APK file disguised as a government-related document.
Incident Overview
A 63-year-old individual in Ahmedabad reportedly lost ₹20.06 lakh after interacting with a malicious APK file disguised as a government-related document. The incident involved unauthorized access to the victim’s mobile device, leading to financial losses across multiple accounts.
Investigation Details
The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch is investigating the case, which unfolded through a series of fraudulent transactions between September 10 and September 22. The scheme began when the elderly man received an APK file purporting to be associated with the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Theft Methodology
Upon installation, the file enabled cybercriminals to remotely control his smartphone. This access allowed attackers to initiate unauthorized transactions, targeting bank accounts linked to the victim, his spouse, and a family acquaintance. The funds were siphoned through Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) transfers, with withdrawals occurring across three financial institutions: Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Bank of India.
- Punjab National Bank
- Bank of Baroda
- Bank of India
The total amount stolen amounted to ₹20,06,305.47, distributed across multiple transactions rather than a single large withdrawal.
Family Response
The family only became aware of the fraud after the transactions had been completed. Following the discovery, the victim’s son contacted the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 to report the incident. A formal complaint was filed, prompting the cybercrime unit to launch an investigation.
Cybercrime Warnings
Authorities are examining technical evidence, including IP addresses and digital footprints, to trace the perpetrators and reconstruct the flow of illicit funds. The case highlights the risks of engaging with unsolicited software files, particularly those masquerading as official communications.
Cybercrime officials have reiterated warnings to the public about the dangers of opening unknown APKs, emphasizing the importance of verifying the authenticity of digital content before installation.
The investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement agencies working to identify the individuals responsible for the breach and recover the stolen assets. The incident underscores the need for heightened vigilance against phishing attempts and the adoption of secure digital practices to mitigate financial exposure.
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