Madhya Pradesh has become the latest battleground in a wave of cyber fraud, with criminals exploiting the popular traffic challan system to deceive residents. Cyber criminals have been sending APK files disguised as official e-challans to unsuspecting victims, gaining access to their phones, personal data, and even siphoning off cash from their bank accounts.
This sophisticated scam, which has impacted many across the state, highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and the need for heightened vigilance in the digital age. Victims have reported receiving WhatsApp messages containing seemingly official e-challan notifications. Believing they had violated traffic rules, the recipients opened the APK files, which unleashed a string of malicious actions. In one case, a student from Ashoka Garden discovered that money had been stolen from his bank account after he opened one of these files. After reporting the incident to the authorities, it became clear that the fraudsters had gained access to his device, allowing them to initiate unauthorized transactions.
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This scam operates by exploiting people’s trust in official digital systems. Once the victim clicks the APK file, a backdoor is created in their phone, granting the criminals access to sensitive data, including messages and bank information. In some instances, the APK file redirected users to fraudulent websites, where they were asked to input their ATM card details and UPI identity to make a “payment” for the traffic fine. Once the victim submitted the one-time password (OTP) received via SMS, the fraudsters promptly drained their accounts. Law enforcement officials, including the Cyber Crime Branch, have been quick to respond, issuing advisories to the public. Additional DCP (Crime) Shailendra Singh Chauhan emphasised that people should be cautious when receiving such notifications, especially those with APK files attached. He further urged individuals not to open such files and to report suspicious messages to the Cyber Crime Branch for investigation.
Experts also caution that the rise of these scams underscores the need for better public awareness and digital literacy. The ease with which criminals are exploiting technology to defraud individuals is a reminder of the vulnerabilities in today’s interconnected world. As the number of digital transactions grows, so does the sophistication of cybercriminals. The common thread between these fraudulent activities is the exploitation of trust and the seamless integration of technology into everyday life. Madhya Pradesh residents are now advised to be wary of unsolicited messages, especially those containing links or files, and to verify any traffic fines through official channels such as the RTO website or the government’s designated apps. Additionally, experts recommend using robust antivirus software and two-factor authentication to enhance security on mobile devices.
While this particular scam focuses on e-challans, it is clear that cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics to exploit unsuspecting users. As the digital landscape continues to expand, authorities are calling for a collective effort from both citizens and government agencies to combat the rising tide of cyber fraud and protect the integrity of financial systems.
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Madhya Pradesh Cyber Crime Surge APK Files Used to Dupe Bank Account Holders
