Hyderabad: Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar warned the public against an APK scam linked to fake gas KYC updates.
He said cyber fraudsters are sending malicious APK files through WhatsApp and SMS. However, they pose them as official links to gain trust.
According to Sajjanar, clicking unknown links and installing such APK files can lead to instant loss of money from bank accounts. Therefore, he urged citizens to stay cautious.
APK scam targets users through fake gas KYC links
Sajjanar cited a recent case reported in Maharashtra to highlight the fraud. In this case, cyber criminals contacted two women in Dombivli.
They posed as gas company representatives and convinced them to download an APK file. Subsequently, the victims filled in personal details through the app.
Once the women installed the file, fraudsters accessed their data. As a result, nearly ₹4 lakh was withdrawn from their bank accounts.
Sajjanar said these APK files are highly dangerous. Moreover, they give criminals full control over the victim’s mobile phone.
He added that fraudsters can access OTPs and banking messages. Thus, they can siphon money without the user’s knowledge.
The Police Commissioner clarified that gas agencies and government bodies never send such files. Instead, they use official platforms for communication.
He advised citizens to rely only on official apps and websites. Meanwhile, he asked people to verify any suspicious message before acting.
In case of doubt, he urged citizens to contact their gas agency directly. Additionally, victims should immediately call 1930 or report
గ్యాస్ కనెక్షన్ కేవైసీ అప్డేట్ పేరుతో ఏపీకే ఫైల్స్.. జాగ్రత్త!!
గ్యాస్ కనెక్షన్ వివరాలు అప్డేట్ చేసుకోవాలంటూ సైబర్ కేటుగాళ్లు సరికొత్త మోసాలు చేస్తున్నారు. మీ మొబైల్కు వాట్సాప్ లేదా ఎస్ఎంఎస్ ద్వారా వచ్చే గుర్తుతెలియని లింక్లు క్లిక్ చేసి, వారు పంపిన ఏపీకే ఫైల్ ఇన్స్టాల్… https://t.co/9MBgrOdRky
— V.C. Sajjanar, IPS (@SajjanarVC_IPS) March 14, 2026