Google has removed three loan applications from the Play Store following a complaint from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), amid a wider crackdown on fraudulent digital lending platforms accused of misusing users’ personal information and harassing borrowers.

The three apps — Horizon Cash Service, Money Score Monitor and JellyCredit — were flagged by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), the cyber-security unit under the MHA. According to the information provided, the government sought their removal on August 19. Google subsequently took action against the apps.

The latest action takes the number of alleged fraudulent loan apps removed following government intervention this month to nine. Earlier, six other apps — Loan Orbit, Hisab, Nexx Loan, One Fund, Credit Factor and Mobile Credit — were also targeted.

How fake loan apps trap users

Fraudulent loan apps often attract users by promising quick loans with minimal documentation. Advertisements may claim that borrowers can receive amounts such as ₹50,000 within minutes without a CIBIL score or extensive paperwork.

Once installed, some malicious apps may seek access to sensitive information stored on a smartphone. This can include contact lists, photographs, identity documents and financial information.

Such access can create serious privacy and security risks. The information may subsequently be misused to threaten, intimidate or blackmail borrowers, particularly when they fail to meet demands for excessive interest or penalties.

Check lender before taking loan

Consumers should verify the company behind a loan application before submitting personal or financial information.

A legitimate digital lending application should be associated with a regulated bank or Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). Borrowers should check the lender's identity and verify its regulatory status through official Reserve Bank of India (RBI) resources rather than relying only on information displayed inside an app.

Users should also check whether the lender provides verifiable contact details and a physical business presence.

Avoid unnecessary app permissions

One of the biggest warning signs is an app asking for access to information that is not required for its stated purpose.

A loan application requesting access to a user's entire contact list, photo gallery or other unrelated data should be treated cautiously. Users should review permissions before installation and deny access that is unnecessary.

If an application continues to demand excessive permissions, uninstalling it is a safer option.

Never pay suspicious upfront charges

Users should also be cautious if an unknown loan application demands money before disbursing a loan, particularly under labels such as processing fees or file charges.

Unexpected upfront payments, unusually high interest rates, pressure tactics and promises of instant loans without proper verification can all be warning signs of a fraudulent lending operation.

Borrowers should carefully examine the lender's terms and conditions before accepting any loan.

Don't install APKs from unknown links

Cyber-security experts regularly advise users to avoid downloading applications through links received in unsolicited SMS messages, WhatsApp chats, emails or social media posts.

Unknown APK files can potentially contain malicious software capable of compromising a device or stealing sensitive information.

Users should download applications only through trusted sources and verify the developer and lender before entering financial or personal details.

What to do if you are targeted

If someone has already installed a suspicious loan app or is being threatened by people claiming to represent such an application, they should preserve evidence such as messages, screenshots, transaction details and phone numbers.

The complaint can be reported through India's national cybercrime helpline, 1930, and the government's cybercrime reporting portal. Users can also approach the cybercrime unit or police station in their area.

The suspicious application should be removed from the device after preserving relevant evidence. Users should also review app permissions and consider changing passwords or taking additional account-security measures if sensitive information may have been exposed.

The latest removals underline the importance of checking a digital lender before borrowing. A promise of an instant loan should not come at the cost of access to a phone's contacts, photographs, banking information or other personal data.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has expressed serious concern over the growing number of cyber fraud cases in the country, observing that while cybercriminals can siphon off victims' life savings within minutes, law enforcement agencies often take far longer to investigate such crimes.

Hearing a petition related to a ₹6.25 lakh cyber fraud involving an elderly resident of Jabalpur, the court emphasized the need for faster, technology-driven investigations and stronger coordination among police forces, financial institutions, and government agencies.

Justice Vishal Dhagat, who was hearing the matter, remarked that the existing pace of investigation was inadequate to deal with the rapidly evolving nature of cybercrime.

DGPs of Three States Asked to Appear

In a significant move, the High Court directed the Directors General of Police (DGPs) of West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Assam to appear before the court through video conferencing on July 31.

The court also instructed the Superintendent of Police (SP), Jabalpur, to remain personally present during the next hearing.

During the proceedings, the Bench expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of certain officials despite earlier directions, indicating the need for greater accountability in handling cybercrime investigations.

Court Calls for Centralised Cyber Investigation System

The High Court observed that cybercrime investigations often suffer because multiple agencies operate independently without adequate coordination.

To address this challenge, the court directed the Central Government, banks, and investigating agencies to work towards establishing a centralised mechanism for cybercrime investigation.

According to the court, a unified system could significantly improve information sharing, accelerate investigations, and ensure quicker relief for victims of online financial fraud.

Technology and Policing Must Work Together

Justice Dhagat observed that cybercrime has become increasingly sophisticated and cannot be tackled effectively through conventional policing alone.

The court stressed that advanced technological expertise should be integrated with policing systems to improve the detection, investigation, and prosecution of cybercriminals.

The observations reflect growing judicial concern over the increasing complexity of digital financial crimes and the need for law enforcement agencies to strengthen their cyber capabilities.

Assam Police Appreciated

While expressing dissatisfaction with delays in investigation, the High Court also acknowledged an example of effective inter-state coordination.

The court appreciated the Assam Police for arresting the main accused in the case within 11 days and handing over the accused to the Madhya Pradesh Police.

According to the Bench, such prompt cooperation between state police forces demonstrates how coordinated action can significantly improve the fight against cybercrime.

Key Observations Made by the Court

During the hearing, the High Court made several important observations:

• Cybercriminals are capable of causing substantial financial losses within minutes.
• Police and investigating agencies must adopt technology-driven methods to speed up investigations.
• A national-level centralised cybercrime investigation framework should be developed.
• Better coordination among states is essential to ensure the swift arrest of accused persons.
• Victims of cyber fraud should receive timely investigation and relief through an efficient system.

Next Hearing on July 31

The matter has now been listed for July 31, when the DGPs of West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Assam are expected to present their responses before the court through video conferencing. The Jabalpur Superintendent of Police has also been directed to appear in person.

The outcome of the next hearing could influence future measures aimed at strengthening cybercrime investigations and improving coordination among states in tackling online financial fraud.

Car Lottery Scam: Retired BSP Employee Duped of ₹1 Crore

Car lottery scam traps retired BSP employee in Dhamtari; fraudsters extract money over three years through fake tax and investment claims

Major Fraud Reported

A car lottery scam has surfaced in Dhamtari, where a 66-year-old retired BSP employee was allegedly duped of nearly ₹1 crore by unidentified cyber fraudsters. The victim was lured with the promise of winning a car worth ₹15 lakh and was gradually coerced into transferring money over a span of three years.

Victim’s Ordeal

According to officials, the victim, identified as Kamlesh Thakur, a resident of a village under the Bhakhara police station limits, fell prey to the scam after ordering Ayurvedic medicines online in July 2022. Soon after the purchase, he began receiving calls from unknown numbers, initiating a chain of fraudulent interactions.

Lure of Lottery

Fraudsters reportedly informed the victim that he had won a car in a lottery. They claimed the vehicle would be delivered after payment of certain taxes and processing fees. When the victim hesitated, he was told that opting out of the car would still allow him to earn high returns if he deposited additional funds.

Payments in Installments

Officials said the accused first demanded a “processing fee” and later continued to extract money under various pretexts, including taxes and investment benefits. Over time, the victim transferred approximately ₹80 lakh through online and bank transactions, details of which he submitted to the police. The total estimated loss is believed to be close to ₹1 crore.

Three-Year Scam Trail

Preliminary investigation indicates that the fraud occurred between 2022 and 2025. The victim continued making payments in multiple instalments, allegedly under pressure and false assurances of returns. The scam only came to light when family members were informed, prompting a formal complaint.

Police Investigation On

Police in Dhamtari have registered a case against unknown individuals and initiated an investigation. Officials said efforts are underway to trace the accused through bank records and digital transaction trails. Authorities also suspect a wider network involved in similar online frauds.

Public Advisory Issued

Police have urged citizens to remain cautious against such schemes, especially those involving lottery winnings or high-return investments. Officials emphasised that legitimate lotteries do not demand upfront payments and advised people to verify any financial claims before transferring money.

Rising Cyber Frauds

This case highlights the growing trend of cyber frauds targeting elderly individuals across India. Similar scams involving fake lotteries, investment schemes, and online purchases have been reported in multiple regions, raising concerns over digital safety and awareness.

What Lies Ahead

Investigators are expected to coordinate with cybercrime units and financial institutions to track the suspects. Authorities have reiterated the need for stricter vigilance and public awareness campaigns to prevent such incidents. The car lottery scam remains under probe, with officials hoping to recover part of the defrauded amount.