Hyderabad: Hyderabad Police issued a cyber fraud alert warning the public about scams involving OTPs, malicious APK files, and so-called digital arrest tactics. The cyber fraud advisory flagged a rising trend of organised online crimes targeting citizens.
Officials said fraudsters pose as bank, telecom, or government representatives to extract OTPs. Consequently, they gain unauthorised access to bank accounts, email IDs, and other sensitive services.
Cyber fraud alert highlights OTP, APK and digital arrest scams
Police said scammers also circulate malicious APK files through SMS, emails, and messaging platforms. Moreover, once victims install these files, fraudsters access SMS messages, passwords, and banking credentials.
Investigators said criminals use the stolen data to build detailed victim profiles. As a result, they approach targets with convincing claims and personal information.
Fraudsters then impersonate police or central agencies and accuse victims of serious crimes. Meanwhile, they conduct video calls to simulate official proceedings and create panic.
Officials said criminals threaten immediate arrest and restrict victims from contacting others. Therefore, victims transfer money under pressure, believing it to be for verification or settlement.
Police clarified that no authority conducts arrests through video calls or demands money for legal clearance. In addition, they advised citizens never to share OTPs or download apps from unknown sources.
They urged people to install apps only from official platforms. Furthermore, they asked citizens to disconnect suspicious calls and avoid acting under pressure.
Authorities advised victims to report incidents immediately through the cyber helpline 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Meanwhile, police continue awareness efforts to curb cyber fraud.
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲:
Subject: Advisory on Cyber Frauds Involving OTP Sharing, Malicious APK Files, and “Digital Arrest” Scams
In view of the rising incidents of cyber fraud across the country, the public is hereby alerted about a dangerous pattern of crimes where… pic.twitter.com/86j08GoIB5
— Hyderabad City Police (@hydcitypolice) March 27, 2026