A man in Kothaguda lost ₹85,000 after opening a fake RTO e-challan message, revealing a growing pattern of cyber scams manipulating traffic violation notices through malicious APK files and WhatsApp account hacking.
A man in Kothaguda has lost ₹85,000 in a cyber fraud linked to a fake RTO e-challan message, according to police. Investigators said Sheikh Asif opened an APK file sent under the guise of a traffic fine notice and later found the money had been withdrawn from his bank account.
Police said the fraud did not stop there. The attackers also appear to have taken control of Asif’s WhatsApp account and used it to send messages and suspicious links to his contacts, widening the risk beyond the initial theft. Asif has since warned friends and relatives not to respond to any messages or links sent from his number.
Kothaguda SI Rajkumar acted on the complaint and had the victim’s bank account placed on hold while officers examined the transaction trail. The case fits a wider pattern in Telangana, where police and cyber experts have repeatedly warned of fake e-challan SMS and WhatsApp messages designed to trick vehicle owners into clicking links or installing malicious files. In a separate recent case, a Hyderabad assistant sub-inspector lost nearly ₹50,000 after opening a similar fake challan file, while other residents were robbed of almost ₹10 lakh through bogus APKs disguised as government services.
Police across Hyderabad have urged people not to click on unknown links, even when the message appears urgent or official. They have also advised the public to avoid downloading APK files sent through messaging apps or text messages, and to report suspicious activity immediately through the cybercrime helpline.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to inform and educate, not to recommend or endorse any financial product, investment or strategy. Please consider your own financial circumstances and seek professional advice where appropriate before making financial decisions.
