Thane APK Scam Exposes Maharashtra’s Growing Cyber Crime Threat | Latest Cyber Crime News – 9 June 2026
A fake gas bill message led to losses worth lakhs, highlighting how cyber criminals are targeting ordinary citizens across Maharashtra.
Cyber crime is no longer limited to large corporations or wealthy individuals. Today, even a simple mobile message can become a trap. A recent cyber fraud case from Thane has once again highlighted the growing threat of online scams across Maharashtra.
The incident began when several residents received a message claiming that their PNG gas bill required an urgent update. The message contained a link that appeared genuine and harmless. Trusting the notification, many users clicked the link and downloaded a file on their smartphones.
However, the file was actually a malicious APK application designed to give cyber criminals access to victims’ devices and banking information. Once installed, the fraudsters were able to gain control over financial transactions and withdraw money from bank accounts. According to police investigations, 22 victims collectively lost more than ₹31 lakh, with one retired citizen alone losing over ₹8 lakh.
The case reflects a wider trend in Maharashtra, where phishing links, fake utility bill alerts, investment scams, and “Digital Arrest” frauds are becoming increasingly common. Cyber experts advise citizens to avoid downloading APK files from unknown sources, verify every payment-related message, and report suspicious activity immediately through official cybercrime channels .
