1 week ago
I4C Orders Google To Remove Three Malicious Loan Apps
India’s cybercrime agency found three loan apps it considered dangerous.
The apps said they could provide quick loans at low interest rates.
The agency said some borrowers were later asked to pay much more.
It also said the apps collected private information from phones.
This information reportedly included identity details, financial data, contacts and photographs.
The agency told Google to remove the apps from its app store.
Google followed the order.
The action was part of a larger effort to stop fraudulent digital lending services.
I4C identified Horizon Cash Service, Money Score Monitor and Zelicredit as malicious Android loan applications.
The apps allegedly promised quick approvals and low interest rates but charged borrowers excessive interest.
I4C said the applications accessed sensitive data, including Aadhaar details, financial information, contacts and photographs.
Google was instructed to disable or remove the apps within three hours under Indian information-technology rules.
The action followed an August 7 order targeting six other loan applications accused of similar conduct.
- Who
- The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre ordered Google to act against Horizon Cash Service, Money Score Monitor and Zelicredit.
- What
- I4C directed Google to remove or disable access to three loan applications accused of excessive interest charges and data harvesting.
- Where
- The applications were available through Google Play and targeted Android users.
- When
- The notice was dated August 19, following an earlier order issued on August 7.
- Why
- I4C alleged that the apps deceived borrowers, demanded excessive repayments and accessed sensitive personal and financial information.
Cybercrime Agency’s Allegations
App and Platform Response
Loan practices
Cybercrime Agency’s Allegations
I4C alleged that the applications advertised quick loans and low interest rates but later charged borrowers excessively high interest.
App and Platform Response
The article does not provide a response from the application operators disputing or explaining the allegations.
Data access
Cybercrime Agency’s Allegations
I4C alleged that the apps accessed extensive personal and financial information from users’ smartphones.
App and Platform Response
The article does not include a response from the app operators or Google addressing the data-access allegations.
Removal action
Cybercrime Agency’s Allegations
I4C instructed Google to remove or disable access to the three identified URLs under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT Rules, 2021.
App and Platform Response
Google complied with the order, but the article does not give the company’s further explanation.
Key facts
- Agency
- Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre’s Threat Analytics Unit
- Applications named
- Horizon Cash Service, Money Score Monitor and Zelicredit
- Allegations
- Excessive interest charges and collection of sensitive smartphone data
- Data reportedly accessed
- Aadhaar details, financial information, contacts, photographs and camera access
- Platform
- Google Play
- Compliance deadline
- Google was instructed to disable or remove the identified URLs within three hours
- Earlier takedown
- Six other loan applications were targeted in an August 7 notice
Sources
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