Latest news with #AndroidPackageKit
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
HDFC Bank warns against APK fraud: What is it and how it works
HDFC Bank has issued a new warning for its customers. The bank has advised its customers to stay vigilant against APK frauds. APK or Android Package Kit refers to scams involving malicious or fake files which are used to install apps on Android devices outside of the official app store. Under this fraud, scamsters create a fake version of a popular app and ask users to install the app on their phone. The app often has hidden malware that can steal personal data, passwords, banking information, or install spyware. Unaware of all this, the victim installs the app and sometimes loses access to their smartphone including sensitive information like bank passwords, card details, OTPs and more. How APK fraud works As mentioned above, fraudsters often use fake APK files to trick people into installing harmful apps on their phones, leading to financial losses. The scam begins with a call, message, or email from people pretending to be from banks, government offices, or well-known companies. The scammers create a sense of urgency in their messages by saying that the person needs to update their KYC, pay a traffic fine, or claim a tax refund. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The victim is then sent a link to download an APK file, which looks like it is from a trusted source. These links often have logos of banks or government agencies to appear genuine. When the person clicks the link and installs the app, they unknowingly install malware on their phone. Once the malware is installed, the fraudster can access everything on the victim's phone. This includes sensitive information like bank account details, OTPs, and passwords. The scammers can even take control of the device remotely. Soon after, the fraudsters use the stolen information to make unauthorized transactions. Victims usually realize they have been cheated when they receive debit alerts from their bank. How to stay safe from APK fraud To protect themselves from such frauds, users are advised to Not click on suspicious links or install app other than from official app stores. Install antivirus or anti-malware software on your smartphone. Keep it updated. Do not download third-party apps over a call request from an unknown person. Verify emails and messages received online. Users can also report fraudulent/suspicious calls, messages on the government's Chakshu portal at or via the Sanchar Saathi mobile app. iOS 26 Public Beta Is Here: Apple's Biggest Redesign Since iOS 7
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Business Standard
HDFC Bank issues urgent alert on new Android malware targeting customers
HDFC Bank, India's largest private sector bank, has issued an urgent advisory warning customers against a rising wave of cyber fraud involving malicious APK (Android Package Kit) files. The bank is intensifying efforts to spread awareness about this dangerous scam, which has led to financial losses and phone data breaches across the country. What is APK Fraud? In APK fraud, fraudsters impersonate bank employees, government officials, or representatives of trusted companies to manipulate victims into downloading and installing harmful APK files on their phones. Once installed, the malware grants remote access to the fraudsters, enabling them to steal sensitive data, redirect calls and texts, and even drain victims' bank accounts through unauthorized transactions. How the Scam Works – Impersonation Tactic: Victims receive messages or calls claiming to be from banks, the Income Tax Department, or transport authorities, often citing urgent issues like KYC updates, income tax refunds, or unpaid traffic fines. Malicious Link Sent: A fake APK link is shared via SMS, email, or messaging platforms. Victims are coaxed into clicking and downloading the file. Malware Installation: Once installed, the APK silently deploys malware, granting full remote access of the victim's device to the attacker. Fraudulent Transactions Begin: Within minutes, fraudsters start initiating unauthorized financial transactions. Victims typically discover the scam after receiving bank alerts for debits they didn't initiate. Some examples: a. Fraudsters reach out to customers via phone calls, emails or messages claiming to be from the bank and their KYC needs to be updated immediately. They create a sense of urgency and fear of the account getting blocked. The fraudsters then share fake APK links which could be embedded with a bank logo and ask customers to install it. Once installed, the app prompts them to enter sensitive details like the person's account number, credit/debit card information or OTPs which are instantly stolen and misused for fraudulent transactions. b. Fraudsters could also impersonate transport authorities (RTO) and send fake messages and emails related to a pending e-challan. These messages contain malicious APK links, and when clicked, compromise the victim's phone. Tips to protect yourself from APK fraud Do not click on suspicious links or install apps / files received via social media, SMS, or email claiming to be from institutions like, the RTO, Income Tax Department, or Bank officials. Ensure your device has reliable antivirus or anti-malware software that can detect and block harmful files. Do not download third-party apps over a call request from an unknown person. Download apps only from trusted sources or official websites. Verify the legitimacy of the message / emails through the respective official website. Report fraudulent/suspicious calls, messages on the Chakshu portal at or via the Sanchar Saathi mobile app. HDFC Bank has also urged its customers to remain vigilant against scams, such as 'digital arrest' fraud, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or government officials and threaten victims with a digital arrest warrant for reasons that could range from alleged tax evasion, regulatory violations, financial misconduct among others. Other frauds commonly seen include investment scams, where fraudsters promise unusually high returns on investments in stocks, IPOs, cryptocurrency, etc. via fake automated investment platforms and promoted via social media platforms. Fraudsters target the emotions of victims to perpetuate frauds by using the GTH – Greed, Threat and Help method. "In the event of falling prey to online fraud the victim should immediately report the unauthorised transactions to the bank in order to get the payment channel blocked, i.e., cards/UPI/net banking to safeguard against future losses. Customers should also file a complaint by calling 1930, a helpline number started by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as well as submit a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal said HDFC Bank in a statement. What to Do If You Are a Victim In the unfortunate event of falling prey to any online scam, HDFC Bank advises: Immediately report unauthorized transactions to your bank to block further access to cards, UPI, or net banking. Call 1930, the cybercrime helpline launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs. File a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Nine in 10 Malaysians read scam alerts from banks, says banking industry
Commissioned by the banking sector and conducted by Rakuten Insight between March and April 2025, the survey gathered responses from 1,000 individuals nationwide. 05 Aug 2025 08:16pm Photo for illustration purpose only. - 123RF photo KUALA LUMPUR - Nine in 10 Malaysians actively read scam-related alerts, with satisfaction levels rising to 73 per cent, according to a survey released by the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) and the Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM). The survey reflects a growing awareness of scams and rising public trust in the financial sector's protective measures, driven by the ongoing #JanganKenaScam national awareness campaign, the two associations said in a joint statement today. Commissioned by the banking sector and conducted by Rakuten Insight between March and April 2025, the survey gathered responses from 1,000 individuals nationwide. According to the survey, 92 per cent of users recognised the risks of installing unsolicited Android Package Kit (APK) files, 85 per cent could identify fake short message service (SMS) messages, 79 per cent avoided suspicious links, 82 per cent would contact their bank if compromised, and 77 per cent would freeze their cards via mobile or online banking. ABM chairman Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli said the campaign has played a key role in improving public awareness and emphasised the need to move beyond education and towards behavioural readiness. "We are seeing a positive shift in public awareness and trust, but we also recognise that scammers exploit fear and urgency to bypass rational thinking. From the survey, we saw that 71 per cent of respondents feared losing money if scammers' instructions were not followed, as the primary factor in scam cases,' he said. According to the statement, Malaysians are also showing increased confidence in their banks' protection measures, with 76 per cent of respondents expressing satisfaction with their banks' overall effectiveness in safeguarding against scams, a 13 per cent rise from the previous survey. Meanwhile, three in five respondents found their banks to be helpful after a scam had occurred, suggesting that post-incident support is becoming a trusted part of the response. It also said social media remains the most common source of scam awareness, particularly on Facebook and Instagram, with seven in 10 Malaysians now actively sharing scam warnings within their networks, especially via WhatsApp, which reflects a growing culture of community-based vigilance. AIBIM president Datuk Mohd Muazzam Mohamed said the results indicate that their awareness efforts are yielding positive outcomes, but they must not become complacent. "Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, and our response must adapt in tandem. We want to equip Malaysians not only with information, but also with practical instincts and tools they can rely on in moments of uncertainty,' he said. - BERNAMA More Like This
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Don't download that file! HDFC flags dangerous bank fraud
HDFC Bank on Tuesday advised customers to remain vigilant against APK (Android Package Kit) frauds. In an APK scam, fraudsters typically use social engineering tactics by impersonating bank employees or government officials. This involves the recipient of the message to receive a malicious APK file claiming to be from trustworthy sources. When a person installs these files, the fraudster gets full control of their phones. The fraudster can then redirect calls and text messages to another device and steal data from victims' phones. Fraudsters can also access victim's bank account(s) and carry out transactions without their consent. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program How does this scam work: Fraudsters typically impersonate government officials, employees of banks or well-known companies on the pretext of doing a Re-KYC, payment of traffic fines, refund of income tax, etc. A message is sent to the victim containing a fake APK link. Once the victim clicks on the link, a malware gets installed on their mobile phone unknown to them. This enables the fraudster to get full access to the victim's phone through this malware Post this, typically within the next few minutes, multiple unauthorised transactions take place, causing financial losses to the customers. The victim realises that they have been duped upon receiving messages from their Bank about money being debited from their account. Fraudsters are increasingly targeting individuals through calls, emails, and messages by posing as officials from banks or government agencies. They often create panic by claiming that a customer's KYC needs urgent updating or that a pending e-challan requires immediate action. To appear legitimate, they send APK links embedded with logos of trusted institutions. Once the user installs these apps and inputs sensitive details such as account numbers, card information, or OTPs, the data is instantly stolen and used for fraudulent transactions. These malicious apps can also compromise the victim's device, leading to further security breaches. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Rates Undo Tips to protect yourself from APK fraud Do not click on suspicious links or install apps / files received via social media, SMS, or email claiming to be from institutions like, the RTO, Income Tax Department, or Bank officials. Ensure your device has reliable antivirus or anti-malware software that can detect and block harmful files. Do not download third-party apps over a call request from an unknown person. Download apps only from trusted sources or official websites. Verify the legitimacy of the message / emails through the respective official website. Report fraudulent/suspicious calls, messages on the Chakshu portal at or via the Sanchar Saathi mobile app. HDFC Bank urged customers to remain vigilant against scams, such as 'digital arrest' fraud, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or government officials and threaten victims with a digital arrest warrant for reasons that could range from alleged tax evasion, regulatory violations, financial misconduct among others. Other frauds commonly seen include investment scams, where fraudsters promise unusually high returns on investments in stocks, IPOs, cryptocurrency, etc. via fake automated investment platforms and promoted via social media platforms. Fraudsters target the emotions of victims to perpetuate frauds by using the GTH – Greed, Threat and Help method. Live Events In the event of falling prey to online fraud the victim should immediately report the unauthorised transactions to the bank in order to get the payment channel blocked, i.e., cards/UPI/net banking to safeguard against future losses. Customers should also file a complaint by calling 1930, a helpline number started by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as well as submit a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
9 in 10 Malaysians read bank scam alerts, survey finds
KUALA LUMPUR: Nine in 10 Malaysians actively read scam-related alerts, with satisfaction levels rising to 73 per cent, according to a survey released by the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) and the Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM). The survey reflects a growing awareness of scams and rising public trust in the financial sector's protective measures, driven by the ongoing #JanganKenaScam national awareness campaign, the two associations said in a joint statement today. Commissioned by the banking sector and conducted by Rakuten Insight between March and April 2025, the survey gathered responses from 1,000 individuals nationwide. According to the survey, 92 per cent of users recognised the risks of installing unsolicited Android Package Kit (APK) files, 85 per cent could identify fake short message service (SMS) messages, 79 per cent avoided suspicious links, 82 per cent would contact their bank if compromised, and 77 per cent would freeze their cards via mobile or online banking. ABM chairman Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli said the campaign has played a key role in improving public awareness and emphasised the need to move beyond education and towards behavioural readiness. 'We are seeing a positive shift in public awareness and trust, but we also recognise that scammers exploit fear and urgency to bypass rational thinking. From the survey, we saw that 71 per cent of respondents feared losing money if scammers' instructions were not followed, as the primary factor in scam cases,' he said. According to the statement, Malaysians are also showing increased confidence in their banks' protection measures, with 76 per cent of respondents expressing satisfaction with their banks' overall effectiveness in safeguarding against scams, a 13 per cent rise from the previous survey. Meanwhile, three in five respondents found their banks to be helpful after a scam had occurred, suggesting that post-incident support is becoming a trusted part of the response. It also said social media remains the most common source of scam awareness, particularly on Facebook and Instagram, with seven in 10 Malaysians now actively sharing scam warnings within their networks, especially via WhatsApp, which reflects a growing culture of community-based vigilance. AIBIM president Datuk Mohd Muazzam Mohamed said the results indicate that their awareness efforts are yielding positive outcomes, but they must not become complacent. 'Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, and our response must adapt in tandem. We want to equip Malaysians not only with information, but also with practical instincts and tools they can rely on in moments of uncertainty,' he said. - Bernama
