What is the new type of scam involving APK files?

Scammers trick individuals into downloading malicious APK files under the pretext of updating KYC details, which are then used to steal personal and financial information.

How do scammers initiate the APK scam?

Scammers send messages resembling official bank communications, warning that the recipient’s account will be blocked unless KYC details are updated.

An APK file is an Android Package file used to distribute and install applications on Android devices. Malicious APKs can contain malware.

What happens if I download the malicious APK file?

Once installed, the malware in the APK can give scammers control over your device, allowing them to lock it, steal information, and demand a ransom.

What are keyloggers, and how are they used in this scam?

Keyloggers are a type of malware that records all keystrokes on a device, capturing sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers.

What is the new type of scam involving APK files?

Scammers trick individuals into downloading malicious APK files under the pretext of updating KYC details, which are then used to steal personal and financial information.

How do scammers initiate the APK scam?

Scammers send messages resembling official bank communications, warning that the recipient’s account will be blocked unless KYC details are updated.

An APK file is an Android Package file used to distribute and install applications on Android devices. Malicious APKs can contain malware.

What happens if I download the malicious APK file?

Once installed, the malware in the APK can give scammers control over your device, allowing them to lock it, steal information, and demand a ransom.

What are keyloggers, and how are they used in this scam?

Keyloggers are a type of malware that records all keystrokes on a device, capturing sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers.

What is the new type of scam involving APK files?

Scammers trick individuals into downloading malicious APK files under the pretext of updating KYC details, which are then used to steal personal and financial information.

How do scammers initiate the APK scam?

Scammers send messages resembling official bank communications, warning that the recipient’s account will be blocked unless KYC details are updated.

An APK file is an Android Package file used to distribute and install applications on Android devices. Malicious APKs can contain malware.

What happens if I download the malicious APK file?

Once installed, the malware in the APK can give scammers control over your device, allowing them to lock it, steal information, and demand a ransom.

What are keyloggers, and how are they used in this scam?

Keyloggers are a type of malware that records all keystrokes on a device, capturing sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers.

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New APK Scam: How To Safeguard Your Bank Account & Your Phone?

Neha Gupta

Author

Updated: 09-04-2025 at 3:30 PM

Scams are at an all-time high, and it is getting more difficult day by day to recognise such frauds. This is a new type of scam where they trick you into downloading a malicious APK file, which is then used against you. Let’s understand how this scam works so we can avoid falling into the trap and be safe.

What Is The APK Scam?

An Android Package (APK) scam is a type of fraudulent activity wherein people unknowingly download legitimate-looking applications on their Android devices, but in reality, they are fake. After installation, scammers can use personal information of people for their gain and for committing crimes.

How Does The Scam Work?

Scammers send messages claiming that the person has to update their Know Your Customer (KYC) Details. They also scare them by saying that if the KYC is not updated, then their accounts will be blocked. "They are asking customers to download APK files loaded with malware to steal account and personal information," Punjab and Sind Bank said.

Step 1: Creating A False Narrative

The scammer will send messages that sound exactly like how a bank would message. The message will contain a false narrative informing one that their bank account will be blocked if the KYC is not updated. In that panic, the scammer will also ask them to download an APK file on their device. Nowadays, cases of other scams like the UPI scam have come to light from which the citizens need to stay safe.

Step 2: Installing The APK File

After convincing the people that the KYC needs to be updated, they then ask them to download the APK file, which is a malicious file that will hack into the device and get access to whatever is there on the device.

Step 3: Scammers Get Control

After the malicious file is installed, the scammer will get a complete hold of the device and lock it. The scammer will then ask for a ransom in exchange for unlocking the device. The scammer may also try to expose their private information.

Also read: How To Stay Safe From ATM Card Tempering Scam

How To Stay Cautious?

Let’s understand how to not fall victim to this scam. Please take into account the points mentioned below and stay safe from such fraudulent activities:

Never download files sent from unauthorised numbers.
Always cross-check from the official bank website or organisation’s pages about the shared news and links to check its authenticity.
Never click on unknown links.
Do not share personal information.
Do not send money to any unknown numbers.
Call the authorities if any suspicious activity takes place.

Where To Register A Complaint About Such Fraud Activities?

If you’ve fallen victim to any kind of cybercrime, you can register a complaint through the following portals laid down below:

Please call the cybercrime helpline at 1930.
Or you can visit the official website of the Cybercrime portal and register your complaint there directly.

Conclusion

With scams and frauds on the rise, it is incredibly important to be aware of such incidents. Various types of scams are taking place, and it is getting harder and harder every day to recognise them. If, in case, you fall victim to a cybercrime, please don’t hesitate to file a complaint as soon as it happens so that authorities can track the scammers and deliver justice.

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