Cybercriminals have once again allegedly used APK files as a tool to carry out online fraud. In two separate incidents in Noida, elderly victims were allegedly lured with offers of assistance in obtaining a credit card and accessing Income Tax Form 16 information before being persuaded to download APK files. Soon after the files were downloaded, a total of ₹17 lakh was transferred from their bank accounts. Both victims approached the Cyber Crime Police Station on Friday and filed complaints. Police are now examining the bank accounts, mobile numbers and transaction trails linked to the alleged fraud.

The first case involves a textile businessman from Sector 61. On May 18, 2025, Rajesh allegedly received a phone call from a person claiming to be a bank employee. The caller offered to help him obtain a credit card from home and told him that the application process could be completed online. During the conversation, the caller allegedly sent Rajesh an APK file, claiming it was required to complete the application.

Rajesh followed the instructions and downloaded the APK file. The caller subsequently told him that his credit card application had been successfully completed and that the card would be delivered shortly. However, the following day, ₹8 lakh was transferred from Rajesh’s bank account. He realised that he had allegedly fallen victim to a cyber fraud after noticing the unauthorised transactions.

The second case involves Hemant, a retired railway employee living in Sector 107. He had searched online for information related to Income Tax Form 16. On July 3, he allegedly received a call from a person who claimed that he could provide information and assistance regarding the form. The caller allegedly used this pretext to persuade Hemant to download an APK file.

After Hemant downloaded the file, ₹9 lakh was allegedly transferred from his bank account. He discovered the fraud after noticing the unauthorised withdrawal of funds. Following complaints from both victims, cybercrime investigators have begun examining the circumstances surrounding the two incidents.

APK, or Android Package Kit, is the file format used to install applications on Android devices. However, cybercriminals can misuse APK files to distribute malicious applications. Once installed, such applications may potentially allow criminals to access sensitive information, monitor device activity or manipulate victims into carrying out financial transactions.

Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said cybercriminals are increasingly combining technology with social engineering to gain the trust of victims. Fraudsters often pose as bank employees, government officials or representatives of service providers and then persuade people to install APK files or other suspicious applications. He cautioned that downloading an application at the instruction of an unknown caller can expose users to serious financial and privacy risks.

In these two cases, the alleged fraudsters exploited different requirements of the victims. In one case, the lure involved a credit card, while in the other, the fraudsters used the victim’s search for Form 16 information. Such tactics allow criminals to create a sense of urgency and legitimacy before directing victims towards potentially malicious files.

Police are now tracing the mobile numbers used to contact the victims, the bank accounts that received the money and the subsequent movement of the funds. Investigators are also examining whether the ₹17 lakh was transferred to common accounts or moved through a connected network of mule accounts.

The possibility of a common cybercrime network is also being examined. If investigators find similarities between the mobile numbers, bank accounts, digital identifiers or transaction routes used in the two cases, they could help establish links between the incidents and identify additional members of the alleged network.

The investigation will also focus on the digital evidence available on the victims’ devices. Police may examine the APK files, installation records, communication history, mobile numbers and banking transactions to determine how the alleged fraud was executed and where the stolen money was ultimately transferred.

Cybersecurity experts advise people not to download APK files sent by unknown callers, even when the caller claims to represent a bank, the Income Tax Department or another government or financial institution. Information about such services should be obtained through official websites or verified channels. If a suspicious application is installed accidentally, users should immediately contact their bank, secure their accounts and report the incident to the cybercrime authorities.

Hyderabad Cybercrime Police have issued a notice to Meta seeking details about how its platforms detect and remove artificial intelligence-generated deepfake videos being used to promote fraudulent investment schemes.

The investigation follows a growing number of complaints from victims who say they were tricked by manipulated videos featuring well-known public figures allegedly endorsing fake trading platforms and investment opportunities. Authorities are examining how such content spreads across Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram and whether additional safeguards are needed to prevent financial fraud.

Fake Celebrity Videos Used to Lure Investors

Investigators have identified multiple cases where deepfake videos allegedly showed prominent personalities appearing to support fake financial schemes.

The probe includes manipulated content featuring Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, actor Amitabh Bachchan, and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi. Police said these videos were circulated online to create false credibility and encourage users to invest money through fraudulent platforms.

Owaisi had earlier approached Hyderabad Police after his identity was allegedly misused in a fake investment promotion. Similar deepfake-based scams have also targeted other public figures, including business leaders and celebrities, as fraudsters increasingly use trusted faces and voices to convince victims.

Fraud Pattern Follows a Common Method

Cybercrime investigators said many investment scams follow a similar approach. Criminals first use deepfake videos or fake advertisements to attract victims, then move conversations to private messaging platforms such as WhatsApp or Telegram.

Victims are often shown fake trading dashboards displaying artificial profits. When they attempt to withdraw funds, scammers demand additional payments in the form of taxes, processing charges, or verification fees.

Authorities have warned that the realistic appearance of AI-generated videos makes these scams more difficult for ordinary users to identify.

Meta Asked to Explain Detection Measures

A Meta representative has already appeared before investigators, who presented details of cases involving significant financial losses. Police have now requested technical experts from the company to explain the systems used to identify, monitor, and remove AI-generated fraudulent content.

The investigation reflects a broader effort by Telangana cybercrime authorities to examine the responsibilities of major technology platforms in preventing online fraud.

Officials are also reviewing whether social media companies and digital platforms are taking sufficient preventive measures rather than responding only after victims report losses.

Growing Pressure on Technology Platforms

The action against Meta follows similar scrutiny of other technology companies. In a separate investigation, Cyberabad Police questioned processes related to fraudulent stock-trading applications that allegedly caused financial losses after appearing on an app marketplace.

Together, these cases indicate a stronger focus by law enforcement agencies on the role of digital platforms in enabling cybercrime through advertisements, applications, and user-generated content.

Authorities are also examining the impact of updated Indian technology regulations that increase obligations for online platforms regarding synthetic media, harmful content detection, and user safety.

Experts Warn of Rising AI Fraud Threat

Cybersecurity experts have described AI-generated deepfakes as one of the fastest-growing threats in the online fraud landscape.

Experts warn that criminals can now create convincing videos and voice recordings of trusted individuals, making victims more likely to believe false investment claims.

Authorities have advised users to verify investment opportunities through official sources, avoid transferring money based solely on online promotions, and remain cautious of offers promising unusually high returns.

Investigation Continues

Hyderabad Cybercrime Police said the investigation will focus not only on identifying scam operators but also on understanding how fraudulent content reaches large audiences.

Officials believe cooperation between law enforcement agencies and major technology companies will be essential to reducing organized cyber fraud and improving digital safety for users.

The Sambhal district administration has cancelled four government land leases issued more than three decades ago after an official investigation found alleged irregularities in the classification and allotment of Ganga river land.

The action follows an inquiry that concluded approximately 31 bigha of land in Surpur village of Gunnour tehsil was leased after its original revenue classification was allegedly altered, allowing land categorized as riverbed to be treated as agricultural property.

Inquiry Reveals Alleged Record Manipulation

The decision was taken by the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) based on an investigation conducted by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Gunnour.

Officials found that while the current revenue records listed the land as transferable agricultural property, older consolidation documents identified it as Category-6(1) submerged river land, making it ineligible for such allotments.

Following the findings, the administration ordered the cancellation of all four leases and directed revenue officials to restore the land’s original classification in official records.

Leases Issued in 1991 Declared Invalid

According to the inquiry, the disputed leases were granted on November 17, 1991, in the names of Shrinivas, Sher Singh, Shakuntala, residents of Surpur village, and Prakash Chandra of Patei Kayasth village.

Authorities stated that the allotments did not comply with the provisions of Section 128 of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code, 2006, prompting their cancellation.

Officials said corrective entries are now being made in the revenue records to reflect the land’s original legal status.

Wider Probe Into Ganga Riverbank Land Allotments

The latest action is part of a broader investigation into alleged irregularities involving government land located along the Ganga riverbank in Sambhal district.

Earlier investigations uncovered suspected illegal allotments involving nearly 845 bigha of government land in Sukhailla village under Gram Panchayat Asadpur, where 162 leases are also under scrutiny.

Investigators believe a similar pattern may have been followed in multiple cases, with riverbed land allegedly reclassified as agricultural land before being leased to individuals.

Field inspections reportedly found that much of the land was unsuitable for conventional farming and was instead being used for activities such as sand mining.

Government Land Worth ₹18 Crore Under Review

District officials estimate that approximately 850 bigha (around 71.5 hectares) of government land, valued at nearly ₹18 crore, is currently under investigation.

Authorities have launched a comprehensive review of historical land leases issued across villages situated along the Ganga river in the Rajpura, Gunnour, and Junawai blocks.

The objective is to determine which allotments were made legally and identify cases where land records may have been manipulated.

Officials’ Role Also Being Examined

The investigation has also raised questions about the possible involvement or negligence of officials from the revenue and consolidation departments.

District authorities said responsibility will be fixed after the inquiry is completed, and legal or departmental action will be taken against anyone found to have violated land allotment rules.

Officials indicated that the ongoing review could reveal additional cases involving unauthorized occupation or irregular leasing of government land.

The administration has reiterated its commitment to restoring government property and ensuring transparency in land management across the district.