Bengaluru businessman loses Rs 5.8 lakh in cyber fraud after clicking on APK file sent on WhatsApp
Bengaluru: A 64-year-old businessman in Bengaluru has fallen victim to a cyber scam, losing Rs 5.8 lakh from his savings accounts after clicking on a fake Regional Transport Office (RTO) e-challan APK file sent to him on WhatsApp.
Ravi Kumar, a resident of New Thippsandra, lodged a complaint with the city’s East Division Police, reporting the fraudulent transaction. According to the complaint, Kumar received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number, which appeared to be from the RTO. Believing it was a legitimate communication from the department, he clicked on the link included in the message, as reported by The Hindu on Thursday.
However, as soon as he clicked the link, a sum of Rs 5,81,500 was deducted from two of his savings accounts.
The East Division Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) based on Kumar's complaint, charging an unidentified individual under the Information Technology Act and Section 318 (cheating) of the BNS.
Police officials quoted in the report stated that this type of fraud—where fraudsters randomly share harmful APK (Android Package Kit) files via WhatsApp, emails, SMS, or social media platforms—has become increasingly common.
They have further advised the public to avoid clicking on any APK files received from unknown numbers to protect themselves from data theft and financial loss.
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Karnataka, France explore deeper ties in AI, aerospace, defence manufacturing
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government and France on Tuesday discussed expanding collaboration to strengthen technology infrastructure and development, artificial intelligence, and defence manufacturing.
Karnataka Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge met Anne Le Hénaff, Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, Government of France, in Bengaluru.
The meeting focused on expanding collaboration in innovation, skilling, AI, aerospace and defence manufacturing, startup ecosystems and digital governance, with both sides expressing strong interest in building long-term, structured partnerships between Karnataka and France, according to a statement issued by Kharge’s office.
France highlighted its growing need for skilled engineers and technology professionals and expressed interest in partnering with Karnataka on structured talent development and skilling in emerging technologies, the statement said.
“The discussions built on the strong foundation of Indo-French collaboration in areas such as aerospace, animation and emerging technologies, including earlier engagements through Centres of Excellence, academic partnerships and startup exchange programmes,” it said.
The two sides also reviewed ongoing engagement with French innovation ecosystems and institutions, including incubation and innovation platforms in Paris.
Kharge outlined Karnataka’s vision to create dedicated innovation, skills and manufacturing corridors with global partners, particularly in the context of the Indo-French Year of Innovation.
He highlighted the state’s proposal to strengthen engagement through the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) and to establish a physical institutional platform in Karnataka to support French startups, SMEs and MSMEs seeking market access, R&D collaboration and a long-term presence in India.
“A couple of areas where we can move quickly and decisively are skills, innovation and advanced manufacturing. We can work towards a skills corridor focused on emerging technologies, an innovation corridor linking our Centres of Excellence, incubators and research institutions, and a stronger partnership in aerospace and defence supply chains,” Kharge said.
“Bengaluru can be a gateway for French companies entering India, and Paris can be a gateway for our startups entering France and the European Union,” he added.
Hénaff said France’s approach to AI is guided by three priorities: building sustainable AI, ensuring AI serves the public interest, and strengthening the protection of children in the digital world.
“As we deepen our cooperation with Karnataka, we see strong opportunities to work together on responsible, trustworthy and inclusive AI by combining innovation, regulation and public policy to ensure technology benefits society while safeguarding our values,” she said.
