Noida Trio Scammed ₹29.06 Lakh via APK Fraud and Telegram Task Scams
Three individuals from Noida and Greater Noida collectively lost ₹29.06 lakh through distinct cyber fraud schemes involving a counterfeit RTO challan APK and a Telegram-based Google Review task operation.
Evolution of Cybercrime Tactics
The incidents highlight the evolving tactics of cybercriminals, with each case demonstrating unique entry points and psychological manipulation techniques.
Case 1: RTO APK Fraud
A malicious APK file disguised as an RTO traffic citation led to the compromise of one victim’s banking details. The individual, a Noida resident, received the file on July 3 and executed it, entering personal information that immediately exposed their account. Attackers then redirected the victim’s mobile calls to a secondary number, preventing bank alerts from reaching them. This allowed the perpetrators to elevate transaction limits to approximately ₹21 lakh and conduct three RTGS transfers totaling ₹14.55 lakh within hours. The rapid escalation from a single file execution to full financial control underscores the effectiveness of RTO-themed malware in India.
Case 2: Telegram Google Review Scam
A separate case involved a Greater Noida West resident who was lured into a Telegram group offering income opportunities through Google Review submissions. Initially, the platform displayed legitimate earnings, encouraging the victim to invest larger sums over time. This method mirrors a broader trend observed in similar scams, including a Pune-based tax consultant who lost ₹2.72 crore via an identical structure. The gradual build-up of trust and incremental financial commitments increased the risk of significant losses.
Case 3: Sector 34 Account Drain
The third incident involved a Sector 34 resident whose account was drained of ₹7.49 lakh following two suspicious messages on April 19. The exact method of initial access remains under investigation, as police trace the transactions back to beneficiary accounts.
Conclusion
Collectively, these cases reflect a shift in cybercrime strategies, moving from isolated incidents to organized operations targeting multiple vulnerabilities. Telegram-based task groups have expanded rapidly, with losses ranging from lakhs to crores depending on the victim’s engagement duration. Investigators are examining potential links between the beneficiary accounts in all three cases, which could reveal whether the incidents stem from independent fraud attempts or a coordinated network operating across the National Capital Region.
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