A 63-year-old man in Ahmedabad was allegedly cheated of ₹20.06 lakh, after opening an APK file sent to him on WhatsApp in the name of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch has registered a case and begun an investigation.
How the Fraud Began
According to the complaint, the elderly man received an APK file on WhatsApp that appeared to be connected to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. After the file was opened, the fraudsters allegedly gained remote access to his mobile phone. The device was then allegedly used to facilitate unauthorised withdrawals from bank accounts linked to the family.
How Much Money Was Taken
Between September 10 and September 22, a total of ₹20,06,305.47 was allegedly withdrawn through several transactions. The money was taken from different bank accounts through IMPS transfers, with the sudden withdrawals only coming to the family's attention after the transactions had already taken place.
The fraud didn't remain limited to the elderly man's own bank account. According to the complaint, accounts belonging to his wife and a friend were also targeted, with the affected accounts held with PNB, Bank of Baroda, and Bank of India. The money was allegedly withdrawn through multiple transactions rather than a single transfer, a pattern likely designed to avoid triggering large-transaction alerts.
How the Fraud Was Reported
After the family realised the seriousness of the incident, the elderly man's son contacted the national cybercrime helpline number 1930 and filed a complaint. An official case was subsequently registered against unknown persons with the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch, under sections relating to criminal conspiracy and cheating.
What Cyber Police Are Investigating
The Cyber Crime Police have launched an investigation to identify the people behind this alleged fraud. Investigators are examining technical surveillance information, IP addresses, and bank transaction details, in an effort to trace the accused and determine exactly how the money moved once it left the family's accounts.
The Warning Police Have Issued
Cyber police have urged people to remain cautious when receiving unfamiliar APK files. Citizens have been advised not to download or open unknown APK files, particularly those received through messages or other unsolicited channels. This case shows how opening a malicious file on a phone can potentially expose access to sensitive financial information across multiple accounts, not just the recipient's own.
FAQs
Q1. How did the fraud begin in this case?
The elderly man received an APK file on WhatsApp disguised as being related to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and once he opened it, the fraudsters allegedly gained remote access to his mobile phone.
Q2. How much money was lost, and from how many accounts?
A total of ₹20,06,305.47 was allegedly withdrawn between September 10 and September 22, affecting bank accounts belonging to the victim, his wife, and a friend, held across PNB, Bank of Baroda, and Bank of India.
Q3. What precautions have police advised regarding APK files?
Police have urged citizens to avoid downloading or opening unknown APK files, especially those received through WhatsApp messages or other unsolicited channels.