Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 20 (PTI) The Keralam Police on Sunday asked the public to be vigilant against a new financial fraud method involving fake mobile apps targeting people searching on Google for outpatient appointments and contact details of leading hospitals in the state.
When someone contacts fake phone numbers displayed in Google search results, fraudsters pose as hospital staff and send mobile app files via WhatsApp in the name of ‘hospital appointment booking’ or something similar, police said in a statement.
When the app is installed, the user’s phone is compromised and confidential information, including OTPs, can be accessed, while UPI services may also be compromised, leading to unauthorised financial transactions, police said, explaining how the fraud is committed.
Besides this, UPI apps such as PhonePe and Google Pay on the phone may be misused, and other payment apps may be installed without the user’s knowledge, police said.
It further said that if a user has enabled UPI Lite on their phone, an OTP is not required for small-value transactions. It urged people not to ignore repeated fraudulent transactions involving small amounts of less than Rs 1,000.
“To avoid falling prey to such scams, verify the numbers found in Google searches through the official websites of the institutions or verified social media pages. Do not install app files received through WhatsApp for purposes such as appointment booking, KYC or refunds under any circumstances.
“Install apps only from trusted sources like Google Play Store and do not grant permissions for SMS, notifications, contacts or phone access to unfamiliar apps. If you suspect that a fake app has been installed, immediately disconnect the internet and contact your bank or UPI service provider to secure your account,” the police said in the statement.
It said anyone who has fallen victim to financial fraud should immediately file a complaint on the cyber helpline number 1930 or through the national cybercrime reporting portal (http://www.cybercrime.gov.in). PTI HMP SSK
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