Fraudsters allegedly used mobile app to gain remote access to victims’ phones
Bulandshahr: In a case of cyber fraud, a man posing as an associate of a doctor allegedly cheated a couple in Anupshahr of Rs 18,61,970 after promising to arrange an immediate medical appointment. The accused reportedly asked the victims to download a mobile application named ‘Doctor Appointment’, which later turned out to be a tool used for financial fraud.
Victim searched for doctor’s number online
According to reports, the incident began on December 1, 2025, when a resident of Mohalla Kedar Sahay, who was unwell, searched Google for a doctor’s phone number to seek medical advice. He dialled a number listed in the search results, and the person who answered claimed to be connected with a doctor and assured him that an appointment could be arranged immediately.
Fraudster asked victim to install mobile app
The caller instructed the victim to download a mobile application called ‘Doctor Appointment’ in order to confirm the booking. Due to his medical condition and urgency to consult a doctor, the victim installed the app on his phone without suspecting any wrongdoing.
Permissions granted during installation
While installing the application, the victim was asked to grant several permissions on his phone. Believing it was necessary for the appointment process, he accepted the requests, unknowingly giving the fraudsters potential access to sensitive information.
Suspects gained remote access to device
Investigators suspect that these permissions allowed the accused to gain remote access to the victim’s mobile phone. This may have enabled them to monitor screen activity, intercept one-time passwords (OTPs), and access banking details without the victim’s knowledge.
Money withdrawn from victim’s bank account
Between February 19 and February 25, 2026, a total of Rs 10,07,561 was allegedly withdrawn from the victim’s bank account through 20 separate transactions. The withdrawals were reportedly made in smaller amounts to avoid immediate suspicion.
Wife’s account also targeted
The fraudsters also siphoned money from the victim’s wife’s bank account. Between February 20 and February 26, Rs 8,54,409 was withdrawn in multiple transactions, bringing the total amount defrauded to Rs 18,61,970.
Cyber police begin investigation
The family discovered the fraud on February 26 after noticing several debit alerts on the phone. They immediately contacted the bank and blocked their accounts before filing a complaint at the Cyber Crime Police Station. Authorities are now investigating transaction records, beneficiary accounts, and digital trails linked to the app to trace the accused and recover the stolen funds.
