Pune: Cybercrooks used '.APK files' disguised as wedding invitations to target two individuals, collectively duping them of Rs 8.5 lakh between May 2 and 17. Separate cases have been registered with the Khadak and Faraskhana police stations on Thursday.
What is an APK File?
An Android Package Kit (APK) file, which comes in a format of '.APK', is a compressed archive for a cellphone application. Cybercriminals exploit this format to spread malware.
Incident Details
First Case: Hardware Shopowner Loses Rs 4.43 Lakh
On May 7, a hardware shopowner (47) from Ganesh Peth received an '.APK file' as a wedding invitation from his friend's cellphone number. He tried to open the file but could not do so. He shared the file with his wife, but she was also unable to open it.
"He then contacted his friend and came to know that his friend's cellphone had been hacked, and such files were sent to his contacts. The complainant immediately deleted that file," an officer from the Faraskhana police said.
The officer added that the complainant started receiving debit messages on May 15. The crooks siphoned Rs 5.57 lakh through six transactions from his bank account. "The complainant claimed that when he realised the fraud, he contacted his bank and requested that they stop the debits. He was told to visit a bank branch. By the time he could visit a branch of his bank, six transactions had been made," he said.
The officer noted that the complainant's bank account also received a credit of Rs 1.14 lakh on May 17. "The complainant overall lost Rs 4.43 lakh in the fraud," the officer said.
Second Case: Stamp Vendor Loses Rs 4.1 Lakh
Similarly, a stamp vendor (54) from Guruwar Peth received an invitation file from his cousin's cellphone number on May 2. He could not open it, but after some time, his cousin alerted him that his cellphone had been hacked.
"Four days later, Rs 4.1 lakh was siphoned off from the vendor's bank account on May 6," the officer said.
Preventive Measures
Authorities advise the public to be cautious of unsolicited APK files, even if they appear to come from known contacts. Users should verify with the sender through an alternative communication method before opening any such files. Additionally, it is recommended to install antivirus software and keep mobile operating systems updated to protect against malware.
