Fake E-Challan Text Drains Ahmedabad Fruit Trader’s Savings of ₹5.67 Lakh
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
A 61-year-old fruit trader from Makarba, Ahmedabad, lost ₹5,67,700 from his savings account after clicking a malicious link in a fake traffic e-challan message, police said.
Harish Thakurdas Rohra, who operates a business at the Naroda Fruit Market, fell victim to the cyber fraud after an unknown sender sent a text message to his mobile phone on August 22. The message claimed that an outstanding traffic challan was due on his car and provided a link for immediate settlement.
When Harishbhai clicked the link, a malicious application file named 'mparivahan.apk' automatically downloaded onto his mobile phone. Though he closed the application immediately, the file enabled fraudsters to gain remote access to his device.
On the morning of September 2, Harishbhai discovered debit notification messages on his handset showing large sums withdrawn from his account. He discussed the matter with his brother, Vishal, at his fruit shop, and the duo visited the IndusInd Bank branch in Naroda to inspect the transactions.
Bank details revealed that cyber criminals had hacked his phone and transferred a total of ₹5,67,700 from his IndusInd Bank savings account to several NSDL Payments Bank accounts using Immediate Payment Service (IMPS).
Harishbhai reported the scam to the national cybercrime helpline number 1930 and subsequently lodged an official complaint with the local police, who have initiated legal proceedings into the incident.
Malicious APK Scams Targeting Mobile Banking
Cyber fraudsters are increasingly using malicious Android Package Kit (APK) files masked as official government software such as the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' mParivahan portal to infiltrate mobile devices. Once a user downloads the rogue APK file onto their device, the application bypasses typical security controls, allowing remote operators to monitor keystrokes, intercept One-Time Passwords (OTPs), and compromise banking credentials.
Police authorities advise citizens never to download APK files received via SMS or messaging platforms and to verify all pending traffic penalties exclusively through official government portals.
