A Muzaffarpur resident has become the latest victim of a growing wave of cybercrime, losing ₹3.5 lakh after unknowingly downloading a malicious app shared by fraudsters impersonating courier agents. The incident began when Mohammad Naushad Alam searched online on Google for the customer care number of a courier company regarding a delayed delivery.
Instead of reaching legitimate support, Alam called a number listed by cybercriminals. The fraudster demanded a ₹5 “emergency” fee and then sent an APK file via WhatsApp. Once installed, the file granted remote access to Alam’s device, allowing the attackers to monitor and manipulate his banking transactions. In a matter of hours, over ₹3.5 lakh was withdrawn across seven transactions.
Cybercrime investigations underway as police warn public
An FIR has been registered at the Cyber Police Station in Muzaffarpur, and investigations are ongoing to trace the origins of the fraudulent phone number. Authorities have reiterated warnings about the growing danger of online search frauds, particularly those involving impersonation of service agents and tech support.
In a separate case from the same region, Noor Fatima, a school teacher, lost ₹18,000 after receiving a call from a number with Pakistan’s +92 code. The caller posed as a bank representative and tricked her into revealing sensitive banking details.
Police say such scams often use urgency, fear, and fake identities to deceive victims, with many cases traced back to international sources. Despite repeated public awareness campaigns, incidents involving malware-laced APKs and phishing calls continue to surface.
Public cautioned against downloading unknown files
The police are urging citizens to be cautious when searching for service helplines online and to avoid installing any unsolicited files, especially those sent over WhatsApp or SMS. Cybercriminals are increasingly using remote access tools to gain control of devices and extract money from unsuspecting users.
This incident underscores the vulnerability of everyday users who rely on digital platforms for daily needs and highlights the urgent need for secure digital literacy at the grassroots level.
