Beware, cyber thugs may cheat you by sending fake e-challan messages
Beware of fake APK challan files circulating on WhatsApp. These are fraudulent links that can steal your personal data and money. Cyber criminals are now resorting to a new tactic of stealing money. They send fake messages to random people, informing them that online challan has been issued on their name and share APK links asking them to click and download the link.
Interestingly, these messages which look exactly like those sent by the traffic police can easily target a layman. When you click on it and download the APK file, your bank account, internet media accounts and all personal details may reach cyber thugs.
Cyber cell of Ludhiana has also received complaints in the matter. To make the people aware, the police have uploaded a video on its official social media handles.
A video message shared by the police on its social media handle said in the fraud, cyber criminals send fake challan messages via WhatsApp, SMS or email, claiming to be officials of the traffic police or a government agency. It says that your vehicle has violated traffic rules and you have to pay a fine. Also, an APK file (like e-parivahan.apk) or a link is given, claiming that you can view details of the challan or pay the fine. Fraudsters will ask you to install the app to make payments. When anyone downloads the file and installs the app, the app asks for access to sensitive information from the phone such as SMS, contacts, banking apps, passwords and OTP. Once the access is obtained, the thugs hack the phone or take it on their remote and steal money from the account through mobile banking or UPI.
What is APK
APK i.e. android package kit is a file format used to manually install apps in Android mobile. When an app is downloaded from Google Play Store, it gets installed automatically. If you download and install an APK file from any website or link, then it can be dangerous for your phone.
What to do after downloading app?
If you have downloaded the app from APK, then uninstall the same immediately. Go to mobile settings and remove all permissions. Also quickly change your bank, UPI and social media passwords. Still, if money has been withdrawn or you are being blackmailed, lodge a complaint with the cyber crime cell. You can also lodge an online complaint on the cyber crime portal.
In this way, identify real, fake messages
The real challan message comes from the government’s official SMS ID. There is no mention of any APK file or suspicious link in it. For information about the real challan, you can check by visiting the government website https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in. There you have to enter the RC number of the vehicle or the driving licence number. You will get information. On the other hand, fake challan messages contain fear-mongering language and also pressure is created to download an APK file or click on a link.
The police had been making people aware through digital medium or awareness camps. People should be cautious of such messages coming online. If anyone becomes a victim of cyber fraudsters, they should lodge a complaint with the cyber cell, said Swapan Sharma, CP.
Ludhiana