Fraudsters use fake ‘RTO challan’ app to siphon off ₹4 lakh from Hyderabad man

A 40-year-old resident of Lower Tank Bund area lost ₹4 lakh in an instant loan fraud after unknowingly installing a malicious application sent to his phone. On October 13, the victim received two SMS alerts from his HDFC Bank, stating that ₹2.20 lakh and ₹1.71 lakh had been credited to his account through Insta Loan and Insta Jumbo Loan services. Moments later, the entire amount was withdrawn through IMPS transfers without his knowledge.

Police said the victim later recalled receiving an APK file named ‘RTO Challan.apk’ from an unknown number a few days earlier. It is suspected that fraudsters used the fake application to remotely access his phone, take instant loans in his name, and transfer the funds. The man has since formatted his phone and lodged a complaint.

A case was booked by the cybercrime wing of the Hyderabad police and investigation is underway. The officials urged the public not to download any APK files received via WhatsApp, SMS, or social media, warning that neither banks nor government departments send such links.

They advised citizens to install apps only from official stores, verify messages through authorised websites or helplines, and immediately report any suspicious activity to the 1930 cybercrime helpline or at www.cybercrime.gov.in.b