Fake bank app, fake SIM: How a click on ‘download file’ on WhatsApp lured Delhi CA into losing ₹75,000

A Delhi-based chartered accountant was scammed after downloading a malicious WhatsApp file that promised an increase in her credit card limit.

Updated on: Feb 11, 2026, 10:40:50 IST

Edited by Shivya Kanojia

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

A chartered accountant in Delhi fell victim to cyber fraud after being lured into downloading a malicious file sent via WhatsApp. The fraudsters promised to increase her credit card limit, but within minutes of installing the file, her mobile phone was hacked.

The accused allegedly conducted online transactions totalling ₹75,694. (AI generated image)

The accused allegedly carried out online transactions worth ₹75,694 using her Kotak Mahindra Bank credit card, as per a report by NDTV.

How fraud was executed

Police investigations found that members of the gang had previously worked with a credit card company. This gave them access to customer data, which they later misused.

Also read| HC grants bail to jeweller arrested in ₹12.76-cr fraud

The accused allegedly developed a fake Kotak Mahindra Bank mobile application in the form of a malicious APK file. Reportedly, fraudsters used fake SIM cards and posed as bank officials to contact the customers.

Victims were persuaded to download the APK file on the pretext of updating their credit card details or increasing their credit limit. Once the file was installed from WhatsApp, the fraudsters gained full access to the victims’ mobile phones and sensitive banking information.

Also read| 36 investors allege 32nd Avenue investment fraud; ED alerted in EOW probe

The gang then used applications such as Zepto to order electronic goods. The items were delivered to addresses in Faridabad. Later, the products were reportedly sold on OLX and other online platforms.

An FIR was registered on February 4, following which the cyber police station launched a targeted operation.

Through technical surveillance and location tracking, investigators traced the delivery of the purchased items to Lakkarpur village in Surajkund, Faridabad.

Four people were arrested in connection with the case. The accused have been identified as Abhishek Kumar Jha (24), Ashish Kumar Ojha (23), Vivek Kumar alias Monu (37) and Ikraar (23). Police recovered four mobile phones from their possession.

Further investigation is the case is underway.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shivya Kanojia
Shivya Kanojia is a journalist at Hindustan Times, where she works in the fast-paced digital news ecosystem with a strong sense of editorial judgement and a clear understanding of what makes a story both important and traffic-driven. An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Shivya brings a thoughtful balance of news value and audience relevance to her work, ensuring stories resonate beyond the immediate headline. Over the course of her three-year journey in the digital news space, Shivya has worked across a wide range of beats, including politics, civic issues, human-interest features and trending news. This diverse exposure has shaped her ability to approach stories with nuance, adaptability and context, whether she is breaking down complex developments or spotlighting everyday narratives that often go unnoticed. She is particularly drawn to human-interest stories, interviews and explainers that offer depth and clarity, aiming to move past surface-level reporting to explore the people, emotions and circumstances behind the news. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Shivya worked with Firstpost and Times Now, where she covered a broad spectrum of topics and honed her skills in digital journalism . Outside the newsroom, Shivya enjoys discovering new cafés, drawn to good coffee, cosy spaces and unhurried conversations. Shopping is another pastime she cherishes, not always out of necessity, but often guided by instinct and the simple joy of stumbling upon unexpected finds. Above all, she treasures time spent with loved ones, finding meaning in shared laughter, simple moments and memories that linger long after.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.