Varanasi Zone Police Warn Against APK And Digital Arrest Scams

Varanasi Zone police cyber-awareness material, issued under the office headed by ADG Naveen Arora, warns residents about suspicious APK files and fraud disguised as “digital arrest”. Two posters explain how criminals use bank-related messages, attractive offers and threats of arrest to target phone users.

The APK advisory cautions against files sent through WhatsApp or Telegram. Fraudsters may use lottery prizes, offers or purported bank updates to persuade recipients to install an app. Downloading a file alone does not necessarily mean a phone has been fully hacked: installing malicious software and granting sensitive permissions can put personal information and banking security at risk.

The poster advises using official app stores, turning off automatic media downloads and refusing unnecessary access to contacts, SMS or storage. If a suspicious app has been installed, users should disconnect mobile data and Wi-Fi, uninstall it and run a scan with trusted security software.

The second poster states that digital arrest is not a lawful procedure and police do not arrest people over video calls. Scammers impersonate police, CBI or ED officers, falsely alleging involvement in money laundering, drugs or tax evasion. They pressure victims to remain in a room and demand transfers supposedly to close a case or prevent imprisonment.

Residents are advised not to transfer money under pressure, to consult family or friends, and to preserve screenshots, chats, phone numbers and transaction records. OTPs, PINs and passwords must not be shared. Cyber fraud should be reported promptly through helpline 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in. The posters also list the X handle adgzonevaranasi and Instagram handle zonevaranasi.