Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Police has issued a stern advisory warning the public against fraudulent online loan apps operating across various digital platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS, and fake websites.
How the Fraud Works:
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Fake APK Downloads:
Scammers lure unsuspecting users with attractive loan offers on social media. They then convince targets to download fake Android Application Package (APK) files that appear to belong to legitimate financial institutions.
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Stealing Phone Access & Permissions:
When the fake app is installed, it requests extensive permissions, gaining full access and control over sensitive phone functions—including contacts, SMS, call logs, camera, microphone, location, and internal storage.
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Collecting Personal & Financial Data:
Victims are instructed to upload personal identity and financial documents, such as Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, photographs, bank account details, and employment records.
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Fake Approval & Extortion Tactics:
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After acquiring the documents, scammers send fake “loan approved” notifications.
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To build initial trust, they may transfer a tiny nominal amount to the victim’s bank account.
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Shortly after, they begin demanding money under various pretexts—such as processing fees, GST, insurance charges, verification fees, security deposits, and account activation charges.
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Once money is transferred, scammers repeatedly invent new charges to siphon off more funds before cutting communication.
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Blackmail and Identity Theft:
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Morphing & Threatening: The scammers often morph the victim’s personal photos and threaten to circulate them among family members, friends, and social contacts if additional money is not paid.
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KYC Misuse: Extorted KYC details are misused to open fake bank accounts, purchase SIM cards, obtain unauthorized loans, and carry out further financial crimes.
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Vanishing Act:
Once the fraud is executed, the perpetrators abandon the app and website, only to recreate similar scams under a different name and branding.
Safety Tips & Action:
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Verify Authenticity: Download loan applications only from official app stores (Google Play Store / Apple App Store) and verify whether the lender is registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
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Never Share Unnecessary Permissions: Avoid granting access to contacts, call logs, or media storage to unverified apps.
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Report Immediately: If you fall victim to a cybercrime or financial fraud, report it promptly to the nearest police station or through the official cybercrime helpline (1930) / portal (cybercrime.gov.in).
