Bengaluru: Businessman loses ₹5.8 lakh after clicking on APK file sent to him on WhatsApp

Quick Summary

• A 64-year-old businessman, Ravi Kumar, residing in New Thippsandra, lost ₹5.8 lakh after clicking on a fake RTO e-challan APK file sent via WhatsApp.
• The victim lodged a complaint with the cityS East Division Police. An FIR has been registered under the IT Act and Section 318 (cheating).
• clicking the fraudulent APK file allegedly prompted ₹5,81,500 to be deducted from two savings accounts.
• Police confirmed this as a common cyber fraud tactic used by sharing fake APK files via SMS, WhatsApp messages, emails or social media platforms to access personal and financial data.
• Authorities advised individuals not to click on APK files from unknown numbers to safeguard against financial loss and data theft.
• On a related note, former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda reported his mobile phone being hacked with ₹3 lakh allegedly missing from his bank account.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The incident highlights growing vulnerabilities in India’s digital ecosystem regarding cyber fraud. Both cases-the businessman’s loss and former CM Gowda’s mobile hack-underscore how even prominent figures are susceptible to online scams. The widespread use of messaging apps like WhatsApp serves as both an advantage for mass communication and as a potential risk vector for fraudsters.

India’s increasing reliance on digital payment systems demands urgent public awareness initiatives about safe online practices and stringent cybersecurity measures from financial institutions. Law enforcement agencies must also develop specialized expertise to tackle such crimes effectively under existing frameworks like the IT Act.

While police warnings offer preventive measures at the consumer level-such as avoiding unknown downloads-the broader issue requires institutional collaboration among banks, tech companies, and government bodies to mitigate risks at scale.

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Published – September 18, 2025