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.

A trader from Rewa has allegedly been duped of nearly ₹20,000 after placing an online order for edible oil through a business-to-business trade portal. The victim transferred the payment after confirming the order, but neither received the goods nor managed to contact the seller, prompting a police complaint and a cyber fraud investigation.

The incident was reported under the Civil Lines police station limits, where authorities have begun examining bank transaction details and other digital evidence to trace the accused.

Order Placed Through Trade Portal

According to the complaint, the victim, Nilesh Kumar Tripathi, a resident of Dhekha area in Rewa, had placed an order for Sikka-brand edible oil for business purposes through a profile operating under the name Shree Balaji Traders on the TradeIndia portal.

After the order was confirmed, the trader transferred approximately ₹20,000 online to complete the purchase.

Delivery Never Arrived

Despite making the payment, the ordered consignment was never delivered.

When the trader attempted to contact the seller using the mobile number provided on the portal, he reportedly found that his number had been blocked. Calls made from another phone also went unanswered.

Suspecting that he had fallen victim to an online fraud, the trader approached the Civil Lines police station and lodged a formal complaint.

Police Begin Investigation

Police have registered the complaint and initiated an inquiry into the matter.

Investigators are examining bank transaction records, payment details, the mobile numbers used during the transaction and other technical evidence to identify those involved in the alleged fraud.

Officials are also verifying the authenticity of the seller's profile and related digital records linked to the online transaction.

Police Issue Advisory

Civil Lines police station in-charge Vijay Singh confirmed that a complaint regarding an online cheating case involving approximately ₹20,000 had been received.

He said the investigation is underway and that police are analysing the financial transaction trail along with other electronic evidence.

The officer also advised traders and consumers to verify the credibility of online sellers before making advance payments, particularly during business transactions conducted through digital platforms.

He urged citizens to immediately report any suspected cyber fraud by contacting the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or approaching the nearest police station.

Growing Concern Over Online Business Frauds

The incident highlights the increasing risks associated with online commercial transactions, where fraudsters allegedly create fake business profiles to lure buyers into making advance payments.

Cybercrime experts advise businesses to verify company credentials, check GST registration details, review seller ratings, and avoid making full advance payments without proper verification.

Police have appealed to traders to exercise caution while dealing with unfamiliar vendors and to promptly report suspicious online activities to help prevent financial fraud.

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.

A major Gwalior Instagram astrologer fraud case has come to light after police arrested a man accused of cheating a college student by posing as an astrologer on social media. The accused allegedly used fake religious rituals and astrology claims to lure victims and extort money and jewellery. The accused was caught in a planned operation organised by the victim’s family with assistance from local police.

Student Allegedly Targeted

According to police, the victim is a BSc first-year student from Gwalior’s Madhuban Colony area under Murar police station limits. The student reportedly came across an Instagram page operated under the name “Astrologer Shubham Pathan” in January 2026. After contacting the account, she was allegedly told that her horoscope contained serious defects affecting her future.

Job and Marriage Promises

Police said the accused promised the student that special rituals could help her secure a good job and a suitable marriage proposal. Investigators stated that the accused gradually gained the victim’s trust and convinced her to participate in so-called tantric rituals for solving personal and career-related problems.

Jewellery Taken by Accused

According to the complaint, the accused initially demanded money from the student and later asked for gold ornaments after she said she did not have enough cash. Police said the accused travelled from Haridwar to Gwalior and allegedly collected ₹10,000 through online transfer along with gold bangles, chain, earrings, and other jewellery items from the student before disappearing. Soon after receiving the valuables, the accused allegedly blocked the student’s contact number.

Family Learns About Fraud

The incident came to light after family members noticed jewellery missing from the house. During questioning, the student reportedly narrated the entire incident to her aunt Vaishali Goyal. The family then decided to trap the accused with the help of police.

Trap Planned by Relative

According to officials, the victim’s aunt contacted the accused again using the student’s Instagram account. She allegedly told him that although a job had been secured through his “blessings,” serious family disputes had now started at home. The accused reportedly demanded more money for another ritual, after which the woman informed him that she could instead offer gold jewellery.

Accused Returns to Gwalior

Lured by the offer, the accused agreed to visit Gwalior again from Haridwar. A meeting point was fixed near Murar vegetable market, the same location where the student had allegedly handed over jewellery earlier. Before the meeting, the woman informed Murar police and her relatives about the plan.

Arrested Red-Handed

Police said the accused arrived at the spot in a WagonR car along with two associates on the evening of May 15. As soon as the accused accepted a gold ring from the woman, police personnel and family members surrounded and detained him on the spot. However, the two accomplices waiting inside the car managed to escape from the location before police could catch them.

Accused Identified

During interrogation, the arrested man was identified as Shakeel Khan, son of Nizamuddin Khan, a resident of Moradabad district in Uttar Pradesh.Police said he allegedly operated fake astrology accounts on Instagram using Hindu names to gain trust easily among users.

Women and Youth Targeted

Investigators revealed that the accused primarily targeted women and unemployed youth through social media platforms. Police stated that victims searching for solutions related to marriage, jobs, or personal problems were approached through fake astrology and occult-related advertisements. The accused allegedly demanded money, jewellery, or valuables in the name of tantric rituals and spiritual remedies.

Police Investigation Expands

Authorities suspect that the accused may be linked to a larger organised online fraud network operating from Haridwar and other cities. Police teams are now searching for the two absconding associates who escaped during the arrest operation.

Additional Superintendent of Police Anu Beniwal said the accused trapped people through fake spiritual claims and manipulated vulnerable users through social media. Police have advised citizens to remain cautious while interacting with unverified astrologers or self-proclaimed spiritual experts online.

---------

Bilaspur retired professor duped of ₹1.04 crore in 7-day 'digital arrest' ordeal

A retired college professor in Bilaspur was swindled of over ₹1 crore after cybercriminals kept her under 'digital arrest' for a week, using threats of terror funding charges and harm to her family.

In a chilling case of cyber fraud that underscores the rising vulnerability of senior citizens to digital scams, an 82-year-old retired professor in Bilaspur’s Civil Lines area was defrauded of ₹1.04 crore. The victim, Raman Srivastava, who previously served at DP College, was kept under "digital arrest" for seven days by fraudsters posing as law enforcement officers.

The scammers allegedly used sophisticated psychological pressure, sending forged documents from the Supreme Court and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to convince the victim she was embroiled in a terror funding investigation linked to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).

The initial hook and intimidation

The ordeal began on the morning of April 20, when Prof. Srivastava received a WhatsApp video call from an unknown number. The caller identified himself as ‘Sanjay PSI’ and immediately began interrogating her. According to the police complaint, the fraudster claimed that her bank accounts were being used for money laundering and terror activities.

To solidify the fear, the criminals kept her on a video call for over two hours initially, forbidding her from disconnecting or contacting anyone. They presented fake bank statements and debit cards in her name, claiming her phone was being monitored.

A week of psychological captivity

Between April 20 and April 27, the retired professor did not step out of her house in the Real Heaven colony. The scammers told her that a specialized team was stationed near her residence to arrest her if she attempted to flee or alert the authorities.

"The victim was in such a state of panic that she believed her every move was being watched," a source familiar with the investigation said. Under this immense pressure, she followed the instructions to "clear her name" by transferring funds into what she was told were "government-verified" accounts for auditing.

Staggered transfers of life savings

The financial exploitation happened in phases as the victim desperately tried to avoid jail time. On April 21, she transferred ₹20 lakh, followed by ₹34.20 lakh the next day. By April 24, she had made four major transfers totaling ₹1,04,80,000.

Local authorities confirmed that the victim exhausted almost her entire life savings during this period. The scammers even threatened that if she failed to cooperate, her son—a director at an HR consultancy in Mumbai—and her grandson would also be arrested and jailed.

How the scam was exposed

The fraud came to light on April 27 when the criminals, unsatisfied with the initial haul, sent a fake ED warrant cancellation letter and demanded an additional ₹50 lakh to "permanently close" the case. With her accounts empty, Prof. Srivastava called her son, Prashant, in Mumbai, pleading for the money and crying that she would be sent to jail otherwise.

Sensing something was wrong, Prashant immediately flew to Bilaspur. Upon hearing the details, he realized his mother had been a victim of a "digital arrest" scam and reported the matter to the Range Cyber Police Station.

Rising trend of digital arrests

The Range Cyber Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the IT Act and the Indian Penal Code. Officials noted that this is not an isolated incident. Between December 2025 and early 2026, Bilaspur has seen a sharp 30-40% increase in digital arrest complaints.

Earlier this year, a local businessman was duped of ₹57 lakh using a similar modus operandi involving money laundering threats. In another case in Raipur, a retired veterinary doctor lost ₹1.28 crore after being intimidated by individuals posing as Mumbai Crime Branch officers.

Police have urged citizens, especially the elderly, to remember that no government agency—be it the Police, CBI, or ED—conducts arrests or investigations via WhatsApp video calls or demands money to "settle" criminal cases.