Cyber fraudsters have adopted a new and extremely dangerous method to trap ordinary citizens: the Fake APK (Android Package Kit) File Scam. Given the rapid surge and severe threat posed by this fraud, the Bhopal Crime Branch and Cyber Police have issued a detailed warning to city residents, urging immediate caution. Police confirmed that several recent cases involve victims’ mobiles being completely hacked immediately after downloading an unknown link disguised as an APK file.

 

This compromises bank accounts and private data, with people losing lakhs within minutes. ‘Spyware’ Hidden in APK Files: Fraudsters exploit people’s technical negligence by using trusted names and government schemes to deceive them. APK files are installation packages for the Android operating system.

 

When these files are downloaded outside the official Play Store via a malicious link, they often contain spyware or ransomware. The most common instances of this scam involve fraudsters luring victims with promises of releasing instalments for the PM Awas Yojana or PM Kisan Yojana. E-Challan Fraud: A government employee in the Habibganj area received a link claiming an outstanding traffic challan on his vehicle, demanding immediate payment.

 

As soon as he clicked the link sent under the guise of an ‘E-Challan app,’ downloaded the fake APK file, and entered an OTP, Rs 85,000 was instantly withdrawn from his bank account. Kisan Yojana Lure: A woman in MP Nagar was sent a message regarding the release of the ‘next installment of the PM Kisan Yojana,’ prompting her to click on the link. Upon downloading the APK file, her phone slowed down, and through spyware, her data was stolen, resulting in a loss of Rs 42,000 in two transactions.

 

Other Trapping Methods Fake Electricity Bill Alert: People are sometimes sent messages claiming their electricity bill is overdue, threatening disconnection if they do not immediately download a specific ‘Electricity Payment APK’. Fearing disconnection, people download the file without thinking. Job Seekers Targeted: Some fraudsters send fake APK files for an ‘Interview App’ or ‘Job Application Tracking Tool’ in the name of large companies, targeting job-seeking youth. This spyware can record your key-strokes, such as when you type your bank password or credit card number, and transmit them directly to the fraudsters.

 

This leads not only to draining bank accounts but also to the theft of private photos, chat history, and other confidential data. The stolen data can be used for blackmailing or identity theft. Identity theft can enable fraudsters to take out fake loans in the victim’s name, causing long-term legal and mental distress.