Fake BESCOM App Scam: Woman Loses ₹14.6 Lakh in Bengaluru

A 60-year-old woman in Vidyaranyapura, Bengaluru lost ₹14.6 lakh after downloading a fake BESCOM app. Cybercriminals tricked her into installing the app under the pretext of a bill update and stole her OTP via malware.

How the Scam Happened

Officials revealed that the app contained a Remote Access Trojan (RAT), which gave the fraudsters full access to her phone. This allowed them to intercept one-time passwords (OTPs) from her banking apps and carry out unauthorized transactions.

On November 25, the woman received a call from an unknown number. The caller claimed to be a BESCOM official and asked her to pay ₹12 to update her electricity bill.

Trusting the small amount, she downloaded the app named ‘Bescom Bill Update.apk’ shared with her via WhatsApp. Shortly after installation, her phone was compromised. Without her knowledge, OTPs generated on her phone were sent to the fraudsters, leading to a loss of ₹14.6 lakh.

Warning to Users

• Do not download apps from unknown links or WhatsApp messages, even if they appear to be official.

• Always verify with the official company website or customer service before making payments or updating bills online.

• Keep your device antivirus and OS updated to prevent malware infections.

This incident highlights the growing threat of fake utility apps and the need for vigilance among users.