Retiree Loses Lakhs to Cyber Scam via Fake Bank App
Financial Losses Mount for Retiree After Falling Victim to Sophisticated Cyber Scam
A 65-year-old retiree from Ahmedabad, India suffered significant financial losses after being deceived by a group of cybercriminals posing as bank officials.
The Attackers Exploit the Victim’s Trust
The attackers exploited the victim’s trust by making him download a malicious Android app (APK) called “CUSTOMER SUPPORT P15.apk,” which granted them unauthorized access to his smartphone and enabled them to siphon off his savings.
The Incident Occurs in November 2025
The incident occurred in November 2025, when the victim contacted a bank branch about his maturing fixed deposit of ₹4 lakhs.
The Victim Falls Prey to a Scammer
However, instead of speaking to an actual bank representative, he was connected to a scammer who posed as a senior manager named “Akash Verma” based in Mumbai.
“The imposter extracted the victim’s sensitive banking information and instructed him to download the malware-infested app for verification purposes.” — According to the article, this statement is attributed to the scammer, Akash Verma.
The Malicious App Grants Unauthorized Access
Once installed, the malicious app granted the attackers remote access to the victim’s smartphone, allowing them to gain access to banking applications and execute unauthorized transactions without the victim’s knowledge or consent.
The Total Loss Amounts to ₹8.5 Lakhs
The cybercriminals proceeded to break the fixed deposit and transfer funds in multiple transactions, ultimately causing a total loss of ₹8.5 lakhs.
Authorities Launch Investigation and Lodge FIR
Authorities have since launched an investigation, and an FIR has been lodged against the perpetrators.
Warning Against Similar Scams
The police have warned citizens against falling prey to similar scams, particularly those involving APK-based attacks.
Cybersecurity Experts Emphasize the Importance of Caution
Cybersecurity experts emphasize the importance of relying only on official bank websites and verified helpline numbers to avoid falling victim to such scams.
Former IPS Officer Comments on the Nature of the Scam
“These types of scams are not solely driven by technological advancements but rather by psychological manipulation. The scammers use fear and urgency to push victims into taking immediate action without verifying the authenticity of the requests.” — Prof. Triveni Singh, former IPS officer and renowned cybercrime expert.
Stay Vigilant and Report Suspicious Activity
As the investigation continues, authorities urge individuals to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly.
Reduce Risk by Staying Informed and Taking Necessary Precautions
By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, citizens can reduce their risk of falling victim to such sophisticated cyber scams.