Navi Mumbai Sees ₹2.68 Crore Loss In 42 APK Scam Cases

A total of 178 cyber fraud cases were registered in the Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate area between January and July 19, 2026, resulting in losses of ₹68.08 crore. Among these cases, 42 involved APK scams, which accounted for losses of ₹2.68 crore.

The APK scams have emerged as a major concern, with fraudsters using malicious APK files sent in the name of essential services such as Mahanagar Gas, KYC updates, and electricity bills to gain access to mobile phones and siphon money from victims' bank accounts.

According to police data, cybercriminals have been adopting new methods to target citizens and carry out financial fraud. In the APK-based cases, victims are generally contacted through phone calls or messaging platforms and are asked to download an application to pay a bill, update a connection, or complete a KYC process.

Once the malicious file is installed, fraudsters can gain access to the device and use it to carry out unauthorized transactions. Mahanagar Gas-related APK scams have emerged as a particular concern, with 26 cases involving fake APK files sent in the name of Mahanagar Gas, resulting in losses of ₹1.54 crore.

In one such case, a 34-year-old resident of Lokmanya Nagar in Panvel received a Mahanagar Gas-related APK file on WhatsApp and downloaded it without verifying its authenticity. Cybercriminals allegedly gained control of his mobile phone and withdrew ₹5,97,017 from his bank account.

Police officials have urged citizens to exercise extreme caution while dealing with links or files received from unknown numbers. They have particularly warned against downloading APK files received through WhatsApp, SMS, or other messaging platforms, even when they appear to be linked to a familiar service provider or government agency.

Vishal Patil, Senior Police Inspector, Cyber Police Station, said that citizens should never download an APK file received from an unknown source, as a bank account can be emptied within seconds.

The surge in cyber fraud cases highlights the need for citizens to be vigilant and cautious when using their mobile phones and accessing online services. It also underscores the importance of verifying the authenticity of files and links before downloading or installing them.

The Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate has registered cases and is investigating the incidents. The police are working to raise awareness about the risks of APK scams and to educate citizens on how to protect themselves from such frauds.

In conclusion, the rise in APK scams in Navi Mumbai is a cause for concern, and citizens need to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to protect themselves. By being cautious and vigilant, citizens can help prevent such scams and protect their financial information.