Hingoli govt employee duped as APK scam resurfaces; police, cyber cell launch probe
23 August 2025, New Delhi
What appeared to be a simple wedding invite on WhatsApp quickly spiraled into a financial disaster for a government employee in Hingoli. The victim lost ₹1,90,000 after opening a malicious file disguised as a wedding card, exposing once again the growing menace of APK-based cyber scams.
Police confirmed that the employee received a wedding invite message on WhatsApp from an unknown number. The file appeared as a PDF document but was, in fact, an APK (Android application package). On installation, the malware silently accessed sensitive data, enabling scammers to siphon off the victim’s bank account.
A formal complaint has been registered at the Hingoli police station, and the case has been transferred to the cyber cell for investigation. Authorities have launched a probe against unknown accused.
How the Scam Works
Cyber experts explained that these malicious APK files, once installed, can:
- Bypass phone security by requesting hidden permissions
- Steal banking credentials, SMS, and OTPs
- Allow hackers to initiate unauthorized UPI and net-banking transactions
The scam has been active since 2024, with state cyber police in Rajasthan, Gujarat, UP, and Himachal Pradesh issuing repeated warnings about such “wedding card invitations.”
Not the First Case
Earlier this year, a Rajasthan resident lost ₹4.5 lakh in an almost identical scam after clicking on a fake WhatsApp wedding card. Police fear the fraudsters are targeting unsuspecting users during festive and wedding seasons when such invites appear normal.
Police and Cyber Advisories
Police urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid downloading APK files sent through WhatsApp or SMS. Officials stressed that APK files do not run on iPhones, making Android users the prime target.
“Always verify the sender, never install unknown apps, and disable the ‘Install from unknown sources’ option,” said a senior cyber cell officer.
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What To Do If You’re Targeted
Victims of such scams are advised to:
- Immediately enable airplane mode and block internet access
- Inform their bank and freeze accounts
- Dial 1930 (National Cyber Helpline)
- File a complaint at the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
- Approach thenearest cyber police station with evidence (screenshots, SMS alerts)
The incident has reignited debate about the risks of digital footprints and data trails. With online payments deeply integrated into daily life, every click leaves traces that cybercriminals can exploit. Experts warn that such scams will only grow more sophisticated unless users combine vigilance with cyber hygiene.
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