A 'Fake Transport App Scam' is rapidly spreading across the country, where cybercriminals are stealing people's bank information by sending fake apps on WhatsApp. Kochi police have apprehended the gang from Varanasi.
App Scam: In India, cybercriminals are constantly discovering new methods to deceive innocent citizens and steal their hard-earned money. Now, a new scam has emerged where criminals are targeting people in the name of 'transport apps'. This scam is so dangerous that the government itself has had to issue a warning. If you are even slightly negligent, your bank account can be emptied in minutes.
How is this Fake Transport App Scam Spreading?
The method of this scam is cleverly designed. Criminals, posing as transport department officials, send messages to people on WhatsApp. These messages claim that there is a large outstanding fine on your vehicle, and a link is sent to pay it. This link requires the user to download an APK file, which is actually a virus-infected fake app. As soon as the user installs this app, it steals bank details, OTPs, passwords, and other sensitive information from the phone. After that, money is withdrawn from the user's account without their knowledge.
Major Action by Kochi Police – Accused Arrested from Varanasi
The Kochi Cyber Crime Police in Kerala have exposed a large gang behind this scam. This gang was active in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Police have arrested several accused, including a 16-year-old who created the fake APK app. Surprisingly, the accused had collected vehicle information from all over the country through Telegram bots. Based on this information, they were targeting vehicle owners. According to the police, data of over 2,700 vehicles, including vehicles from Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, has been recovered from the accused.
The Secret Unveiled by a Complaint – Fraud of ₹85,000
The entire case came to light when a victim from Ernakulam filed a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). He reported that ₹85,000 had disappeared from his account after clicking on a WhatsApp link and downloading the app. The investigation revealed that this scam is spreading across the country.
How to Avoid this Dangerous App Scam?
1. Do Not Download Apps from Unknown Links
If you receive a message from a stranger asking you to download an app, ignore it.
2. Only Use Official App Stores
Download apps only from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Avoid any third-party links or files.
3. Restart Your Phone Periodically
Restarting sometimes closes harmful apps running in the background.
4. Keep an Eye on Bank Transactions
If you see any suspicious transactions, immediately inform the bank and call the 1930 Cyber Helpline.
5. Do Not Click on Any Financial Links on WhatsApp or SMS
Obtain any information related to the bank only from authorized sources.
Appeal from the Government and Cyber Experts
The Government of India and cyber security agencies are constantly issuing warnings about this scam. Cyber security experts say that fake apps are created only to steal data. Users should be careful in their digital habits and use two-factor authentication.
