In a concerning case of cyber fraud, a Kozhikode native residing in Nedumbassery lost ₹4 lakh after unknowingly installing a fake mobile banking app sent via a phishing text message.
The victim, employed at a company in Angamaly, had recently withdrawn funds from his Provident Fund (PF) for his wife’s delivery and home construction. Believing a message—allegedly from his bank—to be genuine, he clicked on a link that prompted him to install an APK file.
After entering his banking credentials into what he thought was the official app, he soon received alerts for two unauthorized transactions: ₹1.9 lakh and ₹2.1 lakh, reportedly used to purchase goods. Upon checking his account, he realized the entire amount had vanished.
He immediately filed a complaint with the Ernakulam Rural Cyber Police, who began an investigation. Officials confirmed the APK file contained malicious screen-sharing software that enabled fraudsters to remotely view and extract sensitive banking data.
Preliminary investigations suggest the money may have been spent through e-commerce transactions, though exact details are yet to be confirmed. Authorities are urging the public not to download apps from unverified links and to remain cautious while dealing with digital financial communications.
