Do not download APK files shared on WhatsApp, Salem police tell public
Salem City Police have issued a warning against downloading APK files from WhatsApp after a resident lost money to a loan scam. Fraudsters use these files to gain unauthorized access to mobile devices and bank accounts.
Why it matters
It highlights the increasing prevalence of mobile-based financial fraud and the importance of cybersecurity hygiene for the general public.
The Salem City Police said scammers have taken loans virtually using bank accounts of those who downloaded APK files shared on WhatsApp.
An application named ‘RTO Challan.apk’ was shared to the WhatsApp number of a person in Hasthampatti recently. Believing that it came from a government organisation, he downloaded the application on his mobile phone. Following this, the bank account information on his mobile phone was illegally taken and an online loan of ₹7.5 lakh was obtained in his name.
Later, the loan amount was transferred to the bank accounts of the fraudsters through online transactions without the knowledge of the victim. Salem City Cyber Crime Police registered a case, and with the help of bank officials, ₹1.10 lakh was frozen. The police said that an investigation is being carried out to identify and arrest the culprits.
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