Hyderabad Police Issues Advisory on OTP, APK Files, Digital Arrest Scams

In view of the rising incidents of cyber fraud across the country, the Hyderabad police informed the public to be alert about a dangerous pattern of crimes where fraudsters exploit stolen personal data—obtained through OTP sharing and malicious mobile applications (APK files)—to execute serious cyber scams such as “digital arrest” frauds. 

Explaining the modus operandi of the fraudsters, the police said the cyber frauds of this nature were carried out in multiple stages :

Fraudsters impersonate officials from banks, telecom companies, or government agencies and deceive individuals into sharing One-Time Passwords (OTPs).

Fraudsters then contact victims posing as police officers, central investigation agencies, or legal authorities.