A Mangaluru man lost Rs 6.6 lakh after receiving a fake message on WhatsApp, allegedly from Canara Bank.
The message claimed that his bank account would be blocked unless he updated his KYC details through an APK link provided in the message.
The victim clicked on the link, which led him to a fake bank page that looked almost identical to the official Canara Bank interface.
In today’s digital age, we rely on online services for almost everything, including banking. But, unfortunately, this convenience also opens the door for scammers. A recent case from Mangaluru highlights just how easy it is for cybercriminals to trick unsuspecting individuals. A man from the city lost Rs 6.6 lakh after receiving a fake message on WhatsApp, allegedly from Canara Bank. The message warned him that his account would be frozen unless he updated his KYC details, and it contained a link to do so. Trusting the message, he clicked the link, leading him into a scam that cost him a fortune.
How the scam unfolded
The victim received a message from a WhatsApp group named Canara Bank, which had changed its name to appear legitimate. The message claimed that his bank account would be blocked unless he updated his KYC details through an APK link provided in the message. Alarmed by the warning, the victim clicked on the link, which led him to a fake bank page that looked almost identical to the official Canara Bank interface.
Also read: CA loses Rs 3 lakh after getting a call from fake TRAI officer: Here’s what happened
The page asked for sensitive information like his UIDAI number, mobile number, ATM PIN, and CVV. While the victim did receive OTPs on his phone, he wisely did not share them. However, despite not providing the OTPs, his account was drained of Rs 6.6 lakh through multiple unauthorised transactions using his debit card. Realising something was wrong, the victim quickly blocked his card and reported the incident to the Kavoor Police Station.
The dangers of APK malware
This scam highlights the increasing danger of APK malware. Cybercriminals use deceptive messages and links to trick users into downloading malicious files. Once downloaded, these files can steal sensitive information and even intercept SMS messages, including OTPs. This type of malware can have a severe impact on a person’s financial security.
Also read: Pune techie loses Rs 23 lakh to scammers posing as crime branch officials: How to avoid such scams
Experts strongly recommend that users avoid downloading files from unknown sources, especially those received via WhatsApp. Always verify the authenticity of any message that asks for personal information, and be cautious when clicking on links or downloading files from unfamiliar contacts.
Follow Us
Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
