Multiple Cyber Fraud Cases Reported in Bhopal as Scammers Use Fake Electricity Alerts and Malicious APK Files
Bhopal: Cyber fraudsters have allegedly duped a doctor from Chirayu Hospital and an official from AIIMS Bhopal, along with several other residents, in a series of online scams that resulted in losses amounting to several lakhs of rupees.
According to police officials, the incidents were reported under the jurisdictions of Habibganj and Bagsewania police stations on Sunday. The accused allegedly employed various tactics, including fake electricity bill alerts, malicious APK files, fraudulent insurance return schemes, and impersonation of law enforcement officials to deceive unsuspecting victims.
Chirayu Hospital Doctor Loses Rs 1.63 Lakh Through Fake Electricity Department Call
One of the victims, a doctor working at Chirayu Hospital and residing in BHEL Sangam Colony, allegedly lost Rs 1.63 lakh after receiving a phone call from a person posing as an electricity department employee.
The caller reportedly asked the doctor to update his IVRS details and sent a link for the same. Soon after clicking the link, unauthorized transactions were carried out from his bank account, resulting in a financial loss of Rs 1.63 lakh.
AIIMS Bhopal Official Duped After Downloading Malicious APK File
In another case, an officer from the management department of AIIMS Bhopal allegedly lost nearly Rs 1.70 lakh after downloading an APK file sent to his mobile phone.
Investigators suspect that the malicious application granted cyber criminals remote access to the victim’s device. The fraudsters allegedly used this access to misuse his credit card and execute fraudulent financial transactions.
Several Other Cyber Fraud Cases Reported
Police said at least three additional cyber fraud cases were reported on the same day, indicating a growing trend of sophisticated online scams targeting residents.
Authorities have registered cases in all the incidents and initiated a detailed investigation to identify and trace the cyber criminals involved.
Police Issue Advisory Against Suspicious Links and Downloads
Following the incidents, police have urged citizens to remain vigilant while responding to unknown calls, messages, or links. Authorities specifically warned against downloading APK files from unverified sources and advised people not to share banking or personal information with strangers.
Officials emphasized that government departments and utility service providers do not ask customers to update sensitive details through random links or unsolicited messages.
Similar Incident: Pune-Based Retired Doctor Duped of Rs 46 Lakh
The latest cases come amid a rise in cyber fraud incidents involving medical professionals. Earlier, an 87-year-old retired doctor from Pune was allegedly cheated of Rs 46 lakh by fraudsters posing as Mumbai Crime Branch officials.
According to Pune Cyber Police, the scammers falsely accused the doctor of involvement in a money laundering case and threatened him with arrest. The fraud reportedly took place between May 24 and May 26, during which the victim was manipulated into transferring large sums of money.
Cyber security experts continue to advise citizens to verify the authenticity of callers, avoid clicking unknown links, and report suspicious communications immediately to cyber crime authorities.
