Gwalior: Fake Online Gaming Apps Are Emptying Bank Accounts, Cyber Cell Warns
The State Cyber Cell says fraudsters are using fake "play and earn" gaming apps shared as APK files, with four to five new victims every day, and warns that malware can capture OTPs and drain bank accounts.
Cyber fraudsters have turned online gaming into a major tool for cheating people in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, according to a report published on October 25. They run promotional videos and sponsored advertisements on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Telegram, pitching "play games and earn money" offers.
The fake apps are not available on Google Play or Apple's App Store. Victims instead receive them as APK files through links sent on WhatsApp or Telegram. Some scammers also send phishing links that promise free in-game skins, weapons or currency.
The State Cyber Cell says it is seeing about four to five new victims every day. The fraud usually begins with small rewards, such as ₹100 or ₹500, paid into the player's bank account to build trust. The players are then encouraged to join VIP levels or "mega tournaments" with promises of large winnings. Many victims lose thousands or even lakhs of rupees, and their requests to withdraw money fail.
DSP Sanjeev Nayan Sharma of the State Cyber Cell explained that apps downloaded from third-party links can install remote-access malware. This software can send SMS contacts and net banking OTPs to the scammers, allowing them to empty bank accounts.
Police have advised the public to stay alert. Basic precautions include downloading apps only from official stores, never opening APK files received in chats, not sharing OTPs and ignoring offers that promise easy money for playing. Anyone who has lost money should report it immediately on the national cyber helpline 1930 or at the cybercrime portal so that the transaction can be flagged quickly.
