Swift action by the Cyber Crime Police Station in Hyderabad saved a 48-year-old tailor from Moghalpura from losing Rs 1 lakh to e-commerce scammers. Constable N Srikanth Naik from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) identified and removed a malicious APK file that had compromised the victim’s phone.
On September 11, the victim mistakenly downloaded an APK file named ‘RTO CHALLAN’. Once installed, the malware gained unauthorised access to his device and began secretly forwarding banking OTPs to fraudsters. Soon, the victim received debit messages from his credit card, and fraudulent transactions worth Rs 95,239 were initiated.
Further investigation revealed that scammers had accessed his Flipkart, Amazon, and Myntra accounts where his card details were saved. Using these, they placed multiple orders without needing full card details. Since saved card transactions often bypass fraud alert calls, the fraudsters tried to ensure quick delivery before the victim or bank could intervene.
The police acted quickly, accessing the victim’s e-commerce accounts and cancelling all confirmed orders. Transactions worth Rs 95,239 were successfully reversed, saving the victim from a major loss.
A similar case was reported by a 35-year-old techie from Ashok Nagar, where fraudulent orders worth Rs 23,532 were placed using the same method. These transactions were also cancelled in time, preventing financial damage.
Modus Operandi
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Fraudsters circulate malicious APK files such as ‘RTO CHALLAN’ and ‘RTA CHALLAN 140.apk’.
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These files are spread through WhatsApp, SMS, groups, and social media links.
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Once installed, they gain access to mobile devices, banking data, and OTPs, leading to fraudulent transactions.
Public Advisory
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Never download or install APK files from unknown sources.
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Only install apps from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
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Do not share banking details, card numbers, CVV, OTPs, or personal data with anyone.
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Avoid saving card details on e-commerce platforms and delete them after use.
The Cyber Crime Police have urged citizens to remain alert and safeguard themselves from rising cases of online fraud involving malicious apps.
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