Bengaluru: Businessman loses ₹5.8 lakh after clicking on APK file sent to him on WhatsApp

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A 64-year-old businessman lost ₹5.8 lakh from his savings account after clicking on a fake Regional Transport Office (RTO) e-challan APK file sent to him on WhatsApp.

Based on a complaint by the victim Ravi Kumar, who resides in New Thippsandra, the city’s East Division Police have registered an FIR charging an unknown person under the IT Act and section 318 (cheating) of the BNS on Tuesday.

In his complaint, the victim said that he received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number. Assuming that it is from the RTO department, he clicked the link to read further. As soon as he clicked the link, a total of ₹5,81,500 was allegedly deducted from two of his savings accounts.

According to the police, this is the most common form of cyber fraud, where fraudsters randomly share APK (Android Package Kit) files through SMSes, WhatsApp messages, emails or even social media platforms tricking people into downloading fake applications to steal personal and financial information.

Police officials advised people not to click on any APK files they receive from unknown numbers to ensure protection from data and financial theft.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda said on Wednesday that his mobile phone was reportedly hacked, following which ₹3 lakh was allegedly found missing from his back account.