Cybercriminals are increasingly using social media and messaging platforms to target unsuspecting users through malicious APK files, prompting Yamunanagar Police to issue a fresh cyber safety advisory.

Superintendent of Police Kamaldeep Goyal, IPS, urged citizens to remain extremely cautious, warning that a single careless installation could result in serious financial and data loss.

According to the police, fraudsters often approach victims by posing as bank officials, technical support representatives, customer-care agents or acquaintances. They then send APK files in the name of instant loans, online games, rewards or quick earning opportunities.

An APK, or Android Package Kit, is a file format used to install applications on Android devices. Police warned that files received from unknown or suspicious sources may contain malware capable of accessing sensitive information stored on a phone.

Such malicious software may attempt to gain access to personal data, contacts, photographs, camera, microphone and banking-related information. In some cases, fraudsters may also obtain remote access to a victim’s device and monitor activity before attempting to carry out unauthorised financial transactions.

Police said several such fraud cases have recently been reported in different parts of the country, where victims were allegedly lured with offers of free games, instant loans and online earnings before being persuaded to install suspicious APK files.

SP Kamaldeep Goyal appealed to citizens to exercise caution in the digital environment and avoid clicking on unknown links or installing applications received from unverified sources.

He said cyber safety has become a personal responsibility for every citizen and that a small lapse can result in substantial financial loss. Citizens should verify the source before downloading any application and should not share sensitive banking or authentication information with unknown persons.

The district police advised citizens to:

Never download or install an APK file received from an unknown person or suspicious source.

Download applications only through Google Play Store or the official website of the concerned service.

Use only authorised and verified applications for banking, loans and financial services.

Report cyber fraud immediately through the official cybercrime reporting system or by calling the national cyber-fraud helpline.

Police urged residents to remain alert and immediately report any suspected cyber fraud rather than waiting, as quick reporting can be important in financial fraud cases.

POD/DESK