APK file scam: One wrong click can empty your bank account

Cyber criminals are no longer using only fake calls or suspicious links, amid rising cyber fraud cases. The fraudsters are now are targeting people through APK files and taking control of their smartphones. Many users download these files without checking them carefully, and within minutes, money starts disappearing from their bank accounts.

Scammers usually send APK files through WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS, or social media. They often claim that the file is related to bank KYC updates, prize offers, government schemes, or important app updates. As soon as the file is installed, hackers get access to the phone and begin stealing personal information.

APK stands for Android Package File. It is the format used to install apps on Android smartphones. Apps downloaded from the Google Play Store are usually checked for security before users can install them. These harmful programs are specially designed to steal personal and banking information from smartphones.

Cyber criminals use APK files because they can directly install fake apps on user’s devices. Scammers also create panic or urgency by sending messages such as ‘Update your KYC immediately’, ‘Your bank account will be blocked’, or ‘Download this app to claim your prize’.

After installing the APK file, the fake app asks for several permissions, including access to contacts, messages, call logs, notifications, location, microphone, and storage. Once access is granted, the malware silently starts collecting sensitive information such as OTPs, passwords, banking alerts, and login details.

This allows cyber criminals to access banking credentials and transfer money from the victim’s account. In many cases, people realise they have been cheated only after receiving low balance alerts from the bank.