Man loses Rs 1.72 lakh in fake RTA challan app scam
According to the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), the incident unfolded on 16 July when the victim received a WhatsApp message containing an APK file named 'RTA CHALLAN.APK'. Believing it to be a genuine application for checking traffic challans, he proceeded to download and install the file, unknowingly compromising his personal data.
Two days later, on 18 July, the victim started receiving alerts of unauthorised debits from his HDFC bank account. He attempted to halt the transactions but soon realised his mobile phone had been remotely accessed. Furthermore, all incoming calls to his number had been secretly forwarded to an unknown number.
Although he managed to disable the call forwarding and regain control of his device, a total of Rs 1,72,625 had already been withdrawn from his account. The incident was promptly reported to the Cyber Crime Helpline (1930).
The Cyber Security Bureau has since issued a stern warning, urging citizens to exercise extreme caution regarding fake government-related APK files, particularly those disseminated via WhatsApp or SMS.
Telangana Cyber Security Bureau explicitly advises citizens against installing APK files received through WhatsApp, SMS, or any unfamiliar sources. They strongly recommend downloading applications exclusively from trusted platforms such as the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Additionally, the bureau advises individuals never to enter personal or banking details into unknown applications, to regularly check phone settings for unauthorised call forwarding, and to enable two-factor authentication for all banking and UPI applications. If a phone exhibits unusual behaviour or suspicious transactions are noticed, users should immediately switch off mobile data and contact their bank.
Victims of cyber fraud are advised to meticulously preserve all relevant communication and transaction records and to report the incident by calling 1930 or visiting cybercrime.gov.in. In emergencies, assistance is also available via WhatsApp or phone on 8712665171.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Time of India
Cyber fraud, online betting racket with global links busted; 15 held
1 2 Lucknow: A cyber fraud and online betting racket with international links was busted by the Cyber Crime Police Station in Lucknow on Wednesday, leading to the arrest of 15 people, most of whom are under the age of 30. The accused allegedly ran a network of digital scams using fake betting platforms and multi-layered money laundering routes to cheat unsuspecting citizens across multiple states. Acting on a tip-off, the police raided a rented accommodation in Friends Colony near Lulu Mall and found several individuals operating laptops, mobile phones, and using multiple debit cards simultaneously. When confronted, they attempted to shut down their devices but were apprehended. A total of 15 accused were taken into custody and booked under various sections of the IPC and the IT Act. The arrested individuals include first-time offenders recruited through social media, lured by the promise of quick money. Some were as young as 18, and several belonged to the same village, indicating localised recruitment. ADCP, Cyber Crime, Vasant Kumar, said that the gang operated under the fake platforms 'Anna Reddy', 'Fair Play', and '99 Exchange', using them as fronts for online gambling and investment fraud. The victims were approached via phone or social media and promised lucrative returns on betting. Once funds were deposited into mule accounts, the money was quickly moved through a series of fake accounts to evade detection. During the raid, police seized Rs 53,200 in cash, 44 mobile phones, 3 laptops, 1 tablet, 42 ATM/debit cards, 7 cheque books, 13 passbooks, 14 SIM cards, 1 POS machine, and 6 account books suspected to be linked to fraudulent transactions. So far, 44 cyber fraud complaints linked to this gang have surfaced from various states, with total estimated transactions running into crores of rupees.
Time of India
21 minutes ago
- Time of India
FIR after sandalwood tree found stolen from NBRI premises
Lucknow: A sandalwood tree was stolen from the premises of the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), one of India's premier research institutions under the ministry of science and technology. The incident came to light on Wednesday. An FIR was registered at Hazratganj police station following the theft, which occurred inside the institute's garden block on Rana Pratap Marg. According to the complaint lodged by Hare Ram Kushwaha, controller of administration at CSIR-NBRI, the incident took place on July 16, between 8 pm and 8 pm. Unidentified miscreants allegedly cut down a sandalwood tree and made off with a trunk measuring around 4.5 to 5 feet in length, with estimated worth of Rs 50,000 in Indian market. The theft came to light when Nem Singh, supervisor of the previous security agency, informed security in-charge Jyoti Tandon about the missing tree. At the time of the incident, security guard Ashu Khare, deployed by Ex-Servicemen Security Services, was on duty. During a subsequent inspection, a saw and a ladder were recovered from the spot, indicating that the culprits used them to cut the tree, but the stolen sandalwood was missing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like $30K Goes a Long Way in This Clementi Condo squarerooms Read More Undo Assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Hazratganj, Vikas Jaiswal, said an FIR was registered under BNS Section 303 (2) (theft) against unidentified persons and an investigation is underway. Notably, nearly a month ago, a similar theft of a sandalwood tree was reported from the official residence of the KGMU vice chancellor in the Chowk area.
Time of India
21 minutes ago
- Time of India
Man hires contract killer for 50k to kill biz rival, arrested
Jabalpur: A man was arrested for allegedly hiring a contract killer to murder his business rival to settle a long-standing commercial dispute, in the Khitola area of Jabalpur district. The shooter, currently lodged in Katni jail in connection with a separate murder of a woman, carried out the killing for a payment of Rs 50,000. The accused was arrested on July 20 by Katni police. It was after his arrest that this seven-month-old murder mystery was resolved. The incident took place on Dec 5, 2024, when 47-year-old Malkhe Chakravarty, a resident of Ward No 17, was shot dead at his shop. Police investigation led to the arrest of his neighbour, Lallu alias Lalu Chakravarty, who allegedly plotted the murder due to repeated disputes with the victim. Additional SP Suryakant Sharma said that the motive behind the killing stemmed from a prior altercation involving the victim and Lallu's brother, Chandan Chakravarty. The two families clashed in the past, and a case related to a stabbing incident was already pending in court. Accused Lallu was also upset that the victim allegedly abused customers visiting his shop, affecting his business. Based on this rivalry, Lallu is said to have contacted Shailendra Pandey, a resident of Khitola, and offered him Rs 50,000 to carry out the murder. On the day of the incident, Lallu informed Pandey that the victim was alone at his shop. Pandey allegedly arrived at the location, shot Malkhe Chakravarty, and fled through the rear exit. Police have seized the mobile phone and SIM card used in the crime. While Lallu has been taken into custody, Shailendra Pandey is currently lodged in Katni jail in connection with a rape case.
