Mumbai East Region Cyber Police arrested three people accused of distributing malicious Android apps to cyber criminal networks, it was reported on 28 October. In one case, a shopkeeper from Ghatkopar allegedly lost ₹26.12 lakh after installing an app disguised as a Mahanagar Gas bill update.
How the scam works
- The scare: you get an SMS or WhatsApp message saying your gas or electricity connection will be cut tonight because of an unpaid bill, or that you have a pending traffic challan.
- The app: the message includes an APK file or a link to "update" your details or pay.
- The takeover: once installed, the app asks for permissions that let it read SMS, see your screen or control your phone. Criminals then capture OTPs and drain bank accounts.
Police say the apps impersonated utility payment notices and traffic challans, and they're examining links to cases in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Uttarakhand.
Simple rules that stop this scam
- No utility company sends bills as APK files. Any ".apk" attachment is a red flag.
- Pay bills only through the provider's official app or website, or trusted UPI apps' bill-payment sections.
- Verify challans only on the official Parivahan e-challan website or your state traffic police site.
- Ignore urgency. "Disconnection tonight" is designed to stop you from thinking.
- Keep Install unknown apps disabled for WhatsApp and your browser.
Protect parents and shop owners
Small business owners and older relatives are frequent targets because they handle bills and payments. Show them what these messages look like and agree on a rule: never install an app from a message — call family first.
If it happens to you
Switch on flight mode, call your bank from another phone to block accounts, and report immediately on 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in. Speed improves the chance of freezing the money.
Sources: The420.in
