A 48-year-old Ahmedabad resident has alleged that he was duped of over Rs.14 lakh after downloading a malicious mobile application sent via WhatsApp under the pretext of paying a traffic challan.
Ramol resident Sadiq Hussain Malik said the incident took place on the night of November 28, when he received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number containing an APK file titled “Traffic Challan 500.apk”. The message urged him to open the file to check and pay a pending e-challan, claiming it was the last date for payment.
Believing it to be genuine, Malik clicked on the file, but the application did not display any information. Police said the APK file was malicious and allegedly allowed the accused to gain unauthorised access to the complainant’s mobile phone and WhatsApp account.
According to the complaint, the accused then created multiple WhatsApp groups from the victim’s phone using a traffic police logo and circulated similar fake APK files to his contacts without his knowledge, potentially targeting more victims.
The complainant further alleged that the accused accessed his banking applications and carried out several fraudulent transactions. Initially, Rs.5,700 was transferred between his own bank accounts, following which Rs.13.14 lakh was debited through multiple transactions towards payment of credit card bills of unknown individuals. Additionally, Rs.91,500 was transferred to another bank account via IMPS.
In total, the complainant reported a loss of Rs.14.05 lakh.
Malik said he contacted his bank after receiving transaction alerts and was advised to approach the police. He also registered a complaint with the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930) before approaching the Cyber Crime Police Station in Ahmedabad.
Police officials said a case has been registered against unidentified persons under relevant sections related to cheating, data theft, and unauthorised access to computer systems. Investigators are examining digital evidence, including the APK file and transaction trail, to identify those responsible.