India’s cybercrime agency has ordered Google to remove three more malicious loan apps, escalating efforts to combat online fraud and protect personal data amidst wider scrutiny of digital lenders and fake banking websites.
India’s cybercrime agency has ordered Google to remove three more loan apps from the Play Store, widening a crackdown on fraudulent digital lenders accused of siphoning personal data and trapping borrowers in punishing repayment terms. According to a notice dated August 19, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre identified Horizon Cash Service, Money Score Monitor and Zelicredit as malicious apps aimed at Android users looking for fast loans.
The agency said the apps posed as genuine lenders, advertised speedy approval and low rates, then allegedly hit customers with sharply higher charges once the money had been paid out. It also said the applications sought broad access to phones, including Aadhaar details, financial information, contacts, photographs and camera permissions. The notice said the apps were being promoted through Google’s advertising systems, potentially increasing their reach.
Google was told to block access to the three URLs within three hours under India’s Information Technology Act and the 2021 IT Rules, and the order has since been carried out. The move follows an August 7 directive that targeted six other loan apps, which were also accused of overcharging borrowers and collecting sensitive data.
The latest action comes amid a broader campaign against abusive lending and related online fraud. Government scrutiny has also expanded to malicious websites and databases hosted on Google’s Firebase platform, where officials have said criminals are impersonating banks and other financial institutions to steal information and money.
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.
