A shocking cyber fraud case has surfaced from Anupshahr, where a couple allegedly lost over ₹18.6 lakh after searching for a doctor’s contact number on Google. The incident highlights a dangerous new scam method that exploits urgent medical needs and user trust.
Authorities have registered the case at the cyber crime police station and launched an investigation into the fraud.
How a Simple Search Turned Into a Major Financial Loss
According to the complaint, the victim searched online for a doctor’s phone number due to health issues. After finding a contact number in search results, he called it, believing it to be genuine.
The person on the other end claimed to be associated with a medical service and offered to quickly arrange an appointment. To proceed, the victim was asked to download a mobile application named “Doctor Appointment.”
Trusting the caller and prioritizing urgent medical help, the victim installed the app without suspecting any foul play.
App Permissions Gave Hackers Full Access
During installation, the app requested multiple permissions. Without realizing the risks, the victim granted access to the device.
Cyber experts believe that these permissions allowed fraudsters to gain remote access to the smartphone. This may have enabled them to:
- Monitor screen activity
- Capture OTPs (One-Time Passwords)
- Access banking apps and sensitive data
This step became the turning point that led to the massive financial fraud.
Fraudulent Transactions Went Unnoticed
Due to illness, the victim reportedly did not regularly check phone notifications or bank alerts. Taking advantage of this, scammers carried out multiple transactions over several days.
- Between February 19 and February 25, 2026, around ₹10.07 lakh was withdrawn from the victim’s account through nearly 20 transactions
- The amount was transferred in smaller chunks to avoid suspicion
Wife’s Account Also Targeted
The fraudsters did not stop there. They also accessed the victim’s wife’s bank account.
- Between February 20 and February 26, 2026, about ₹8.54 lakh was withdrawn
- Multiple transactions were used to bypass immediate detection
The total loss reported by the family stands at approximately ₹18.61 lakh.
Fraud Discovered After Multiple Debit Alerts
The family became aware of the fraud on February 26 after noticing several debit messages on their phone.
They immediately contacted their bank and blocked the accounts to prevent further losses. A formal complaint was then filed with the cyber crime authorities.
Investigation Underway
Police are currently investigating:
- Transaction details
- Beneficiary bank accounts
- Digital traces linked to the fraudulent app
Officials are trying to identify the suspects and track the flow of money.
Cyber Experts Issue Important Warning
Experts warn that this scam is part of a growing trend where fraudsters misuse search results and fake apps to target unsuspecting users.
Key precautions you should follow:
- Always verify phone numbers from official websites
- Avoid calling numbers found randomly in search results
- Never download apps suggested by unknown callers
- Do not grant unnecessary permissions to apps
- Regularly monitor bank transactions and alerts
Why This Scam Is Dangerous
This fraud is particularly risky because it:
- Exploits emergency situations like health issues
- Uses trusted platforms like Google search
- Gains deep access to personal devices
- Operates silently without immediate detection
Even a small mistake—like installing an unknown app—can lead to significant financial loss.
Conclusion
The Anupshahr cyber fraud case serves as a serious reminder to stay cautious while using online services. While the internet offers convenience, it also opens doors for sophisticated scams.
Always verify sources, avoid unknown apps, and stay alert—because a simple search can sometimes turn into a costly mistake.
