Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Police have warned the public against online loan frauds in which scammers use social media platforms, SMS messages and fake websites to offer loans and extract money and sensitive personal information from victims.According to police, fraudsters often approach victims through Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp and Telegram, offering loans at attractive terms. The scam usually begins by persuading victims to install fake APK files disguised as legitimate loan applications.Once installed, such apps can gain access to contacts, call details, camera, microphone and location data on the victim’s phone. Victims are subsequently asked to upload documents such as Aadhaar and PAN cards, bank details and employment-related records.To gain the victim’s confidence, scammers may initially transfer a small amount to the bank account with a message stating that the loan has been approved. They then demand larger amounts in multiple stages, citing processing fees, GST, insurance and verification charges. Once the money is transferred, the fraudsters typically disappear.Police said there was also a growing trend of scammers misusing personal documents and photographs collected through such apps to threaten victims. They may threaten to circulate morphed photographs among the victim’s relatives and friends and demand more money.The stolen KYC documents may also be used to open fraudulent bank accounts and obtain SIM cards, which can subsequently be used for other financial crimes. After carrying out a scam, the operators often abandon the app or website and reappear under a new name, police said.Police advised the public to download loan applications only through official platforms such as the Play Store or App Store and to obtain loans only from institutions regulated or authorised by Reserve Bank of India. APK files received through unknown links should not be installed under any circumstances.People should also avoid loan providers who demand money in advance and should never share Aadhaar, PAN, bank account details, OTPs, UPI PINs or CVV numbers with strangers.Anyone who falls victim to a cyber financial fraud should immediately report it by calling the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in.
