Jehanabad: A new wave of cyber fraud is emerging in Bihar’s Jehanabad district, where scammers are using fake links disguised as registration portals for the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana to hack mobile phones and siphon off sensitive data, police officials warned.
The scam came to light after Prakash Kumar, a resident of Khaskhori village in the Makhdumpur police station area, reported that his mobile phone was compromised shortly after clicking on a suspicious link claiming to be from the PM-Kisan Yojana 2025. Within moments, his phone began sending the same malicious link to all his contacts, and the device became unresponsive.
Dozens of other residents who clicked on the link reported similar issues. Victims rushed to contact the cyber crime helpline and have filed complaints at the cyber police station.
According to Cyber DSP Renu Kumari, a preliminary investigation revealed that the attackers are distributing a fake APK file embedded with backdoor malware. Once installed, the software gives cybercriminals remote access to the victim’s phone, enabling them to harvest OTPs, banking app credentials, screen recordings, and other sensitive data.
“These attackers are using social media platforms to circulate counterfeit apps and registration links for the PM-Kisan Yojana. People must remain vigilant and avoid downloading apps from unverified sources,” said Kumari.
The cyber police have issued a public advisory urging citizens to download government-related apps only from the Google Play Store or other official platforms. Authorities have emphasised the importance of not clicking on unknown or unsolicited links.
The PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi is a government scheme providing financial assistance to eligible farmers across India. Its popularity has made it a frequent target for scams, particularly in rural areas where digital literacy remains a challenge.
