Mumbai: In a new wave of cyber fraud, scammers are targeting unsuspecting citizens by sending fake messages alleging traffic violations and tricking them into downloading malicious APK files. A Versova resident lost nearly Rs 95,000 after falling prey to this deceptive scheme.
About The Case
The victim, Mukhtar Shaikh (60), a resident of Versova Road in Andheri (West), received a WhatsApp message on June 25 claiming he had violated a traffic signal and was required to pay a fine of Rs 1,000. The message included the registration number of his two-wheeler and a link to download an APK file for payment processing, making it appear legitimate.
Trusting the message, Shaikh downloaded the APK file and was subsequently prompted to enter his mobile number. Suspicious of why his number was needed despite having received the message, he immediately blocked the sender.
However, within an hour, Shaikh received SMS alerts from his bank stating that his Aadhaar number was used for transactions. Upon contacting the Punjab National Bank branch at Seven Bungalows, he learned that two unauthorized withdrawals—Rs 49,555 and Rs 46,376—had already been made from his account. In just 90 minutes, the cyber fraudsters siphoned off Rs 95,931.
Shaikh promptly lodged a complaint with Versova Police Station. Based on his complaint, the police registered an FIR against an unidentified person under sections 66(C), 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, and section 419 of the BNS Act.
