Hyderabad city Police warn public against fake Android apps

In view of the surge in fake APK (Android Package Kit) files being circulated through WhatsApp, SMS, Telegram, other social media platforms, and fraudulent websites, the Hyderabad Police have advised citizens to be wary while dealing with them. 

Cybercriminals are using these malicious applications to steal personal information, banking credentials, and OTPs, leading to large-scale financial losses.

According to the Cybercrime officials, fraudsters send masked links



posing as official bank or government communication, often named as RTOChallan.apk, PMKisanYojana.apk, ElectricityBill.apk, HMWSSB.apk, Creditcard.apk, rewardpoints.apk and similar links.

The targeted persons are then urged to install these apps outside the Google Play Store under the guise of faster service or exclusive benefits. 

Once installed, these apps demand access to SMS, contacts, notifications and screen sharing, giving criminals visibility into the device.