Eluru SP warns public against rising cyber frauds

Eluru District Superintendent of Police (SP) K. Pratap Shiva Kishore on Thursday cautioned the public against a sharp rise in cybercrimes and urged the citizens to remain vigilant against various online frauds targeting unsuspecting victims.

Addressing the issue, the SP said cybercriminals were circulating fake APK files named “Parivahan RTO Chalan” through WhatsApp. He explained that installing such files would allow fraudsters to gain control over mobile phones, access SMS messages, steal bank OTPs, and siphon off money from victims’ accounts. He advised people to pay traffic challans only through official government websites or trusted applications.

The SP also warned students and youth against so-called instant loan apps. He said fraudsters lure victims by collecting personal data and contact lists, charge exorbitant interest, and later resort to harassment and blackmail, including morphing photos. He noted that such incidents resulted in severe distress among victims.

Highlighting cryptocurrency-related frauds, the SP said cybercriminals promise high returns using fake or non-existent digital currencies. He added that personal documents such as Aadhaar and email IDs were often misused to open accounts for illegal transactions, which could land innocent users in legal trouble.

Mr. Pratap Shiva Kishore further referred to online investment scams, where victims are initially paid small returns to gain trust. Later, fraudsters show inflated profits and demand additional payments in the name of GST or processing charges when withdrawal is attempted.

The SP advised victims of cyber fraud to immediately contact the cybercrime helpline 1930 or lodge complaints through the national cybercrime portal. He also cautioned citizens against sharing personal, banking, or OTP details with unknown persons and urged them to report suspicious links to the police.