A 36-year-old woman's search for free movies on her smartphone turned into a costly nightmare when cybercriminals siphoned off Rs 2.77 lakh from her credit card. The resident of Charai in Thane filed a complaint at the Naupada police station after noticing unauthorized transactions.
How the Fraud Unfolded
On the evening of May 23, 2026, the victim searched for a free movie streaming platform on Google. She clicked on a link for an app named "tubifreemovies-apk" and downloaded it, unaware of the hidden danger. By installing this malicious software, she unknowingly allowed cybercriminals to access her financial details.
The perpetrators used technical means to gain unauthorized access to her credit card information and executed four swift transactions, transferring a total of Rs 2,77,500 from her ICICI Bank account to an account ending in 10017.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
The Naupada police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000. A team is actively investigating the online fraud and working to trace the accused.
Cyber Safety Advisory
Police have once again cautioned citizens against downloading suspicious third-party applications or clicking on unverified links that promise free premium content. Such baits are frequently used in sophisticated cyber heists. Always verify the authenticity of apps and links before installation, and avoid sharing financial information on untrusted platforms.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with free online content. Users are advised to rely only on official app stores and legitimate streaming services to avoid falling prey to cybercriminals.
