Bengaluru businessman loses ₹5.8 lakh after falling for fake RTO app scam on WhatsApp: Report

A 64-year-old businessman lost ₹5.8 lakh to a cyber scam after installing a malicious app from a WhatsApp message he believed was from the RTO.

Updated on: Sep 18, 2025, 15:07:23 IST

By HT News Desk, Bengaluru

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

A 64-year-old businessman from the New Thippsandra area in Bengaluru fell victim to a cyber scam and lost as much as ₹5.8 lakh after unknowingly installing a malicious app sent via WhatsApp, believing it to be a legitimate message from the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

The East Division Police in Bengaluru registered an FIR and advised the public against unknown APK installations. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

ALSO READ | Bengaluru yoga trainer arrested for sexually harassing minor student during competitions

Ravi Kumar, the victim, filed a police complaint stating that he received a message from an unknown number containing a link to what appeared to be an RTO e-challan. Thinking it was official, he clicked on the link and downloaded the file, an APK (Android Package Kit), onto his phone. Within moments, ₹5,81,500 was siphoned off from two of his savings accounts, a report by The Hindu stated.

ALSO READ | Bengaluru’s bus services to expand 40 km, covering suburbs from Kanakapura to Ramangara

Following the complaint, the East Division Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on Tuesday under the Information Technology (IT) Act and Section 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with cheating.

Police officials revealed that this kind of fraud, involving the distribution of harmful APK files through messages and social media, has become alarmingly common. These files, once installed, give cybercriminals access to victims’ personal and banking data.

ALSO READ | IndiGo flight from Vadodara to Bengaluru makes emergency landing due to technical fault: Report

Authorities have urged the public to avoid opening or installing any files or apps received from unknown contacts, particularly APK files, which can bypass standard app store security checks.

In a related incident, former Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda reported on Wednesday that his phone had also been compromised, resulting in the disappearance of ₹3 lakh from his bank account, highlighting the growing threat of mobile-based cybercrimes.

HT.com has not independently verified the authenticity of this information.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest City News, local updates, weather alerts and breaking stories from Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other major cities across India on Hindustan Times.