APK scams on the rise as fake apps fuel cybercrime in India

The rapid spread of APK scams in India is fuelled by over 750 million Android users, booming UPI transactions, low app safety awareness, localized fraud tactics, and cross-border cybercrime networks that complicate enforcement efforts nationwide

India’s fast-growing digital economy is facing a sharp rise in APK-based cyber frauds, where malicious mobile applications are used to steal money and sensitive data. With smartphones at the centre of banking, payments, and government services, these scams are becoming one of the most pressing cyber threats in the country.

How the APK scam operates

An APK, or Android Package Kit, is the file format for installing applications on Android devices. Fraudsters misuse this by convincing victims to download fake apps disguised as tools from banks, government agencies, or utility providers.

The process typically begins with a call or message that creates urgency or fear. Posing as bank officers, police officials, or electricity board representatives, scammers warn of blocked accounts, pending bills, or legal actions. Victims are then directed to download an APK file outside the Google Play Store, believing it to be an official app.

Once installed, the app requests permissions such as access to SMS (to intercept one-time passwords), screen-sharing, or control over device settings. Many users unknowingly approve these requests, giving criminals remote access to their phones. This allows hackers to steal banking credentials, UPI PINs, and other sensitive data, which can then be used for unauthorised transactions.

Why the threat is growing

Several factors are driving the rapid spread of APK scams in India. The country has over 750 million Android users, creating a massive pool of potential victims. The boom in UPI transactions makes smartphones an attractive target for fraud. Cybercriminals also adapt their tactics to local languages and cultural contexts, which helps build credibility among unsuspecting users.

Low awareness of app safety, especially among first-time internet users, further fuels the problem. Investigations are complicated by the fact that fraud networks often operate across state borders, making coordination between enforcement agencies difficult.

Impact on victims and national security

The consequences of APK scams go beyond financial losses. Victims often lose thousands to lakhs of rupees through unauthorised transfers. In addition, criminals gain access to personal photos, messages, and contacts, sometimes using them for blackmail.

The psychological toll is equally damaging, with many victims experiencing stress, trauma, and hesitation to report due to stigma. Authorities warn that the rise of APK scams represents not just individual risks but also a broader challenge to India’s digital security.

Steps toward protection

Regulators and institutions are urging citizens to download apps only from trusted sources, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and immediately report fraud to the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930) or cybercrime.gov.in. Banks and the Reserve Bank of India continue to issue advisories, while CERT-In has highlighted the growing number of APK malware variants.

Awareness campaigns in regional languages are being stepped up to ensure more citizens can identify red flags. Experts say stronger app distribution rules, combined with digital literacy and timely reporting, are essential to reducing the impact of these scams.