Ferozepur, September 16, 2026: A Ferozepur resident allegedly lost ₹5,75,744 in a cyber fraud after receiving a phone call related to a fake e-Challan and installing an application through a link provided by the caller.
According to a report by Babushahi Network, the application was allegedly linked to a Remote Access Trojan (RAT), a type of malicious software that can allow unauthorised remote access to a device.
Fake e-Challan call triggers fraud
According to the complaint, Tejbir Singh Sandhu received a call on August 12, 2026, from a mobile number. The caller allegedly contacted him regarding an e-Challan and asked him to install an application through a link or website.
The complainant stated that he installed the application but initially did not notice anything suspicious.
However, on August 18, he discovered that transactions had taken place from his bank accounts.
₹5.61 lakh withdrawn from IDBI Bank account
As per the complaint, the alleged fraudsters siphoned ₹5,61,744 from the victim’s IDBI Bank account in Ferozepur.
Another ₹14,000 was allegedly withdrawn from his Punjab National Bank account, taking the reported total financial loss to ₹5,75,744.
Cybercrime complaints registered
Two complaints were reportedly registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) in connection with the transactions.
The complaints, bearing numbers 22508260023411 and 22508260023422, were dated August 18, 2026.
The case was registered against unidentified persons and, according to the report, no arrest has been made so far. Sukhbir Kaur, Incharge of the Cyber Cell, has been entrusted with the investigation.
What is a Remote Access Trojan?
A Remote Access Trojan (RAT) is malicious software designed to provide unauthorised remote access to a computer or mobile device.
Cyber fraudsters may use such applications to gain access to sensitive information, including banking details, passwords and one-time passwords, depending on the permissions granted to the malicious application.
Cyber safety warning for citizens
The incident highlights the risks associated with fake traffic challan calls and messages.
Citizens should avoid installing applications received through unknown links or from callers claiming to represent traffic authorities or government departments. Genuine-looking messages should also be verified through official government portals rather than links supplied by unknown callers.
People who suspect that they have become victims of online financial fraud should report the incident to the appropriate cybercrime authorities and their bank as quickly as possible.
