Google takes down three malicious loan apps from Play Store after govt order
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Indian Cybercrime Coordination (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs has directed Google to take down three more apps from the Play Store that are described as malicious loan apps. The move is part of the government’s ongoing crackdown against online frauds.
As per media reports, on August 19, the agency’s Threat Analytics Unit issued a notice identifying the apps as malicious and warning that they were targeting Android users seeking quick access to loans.
The apps allegedly mimicked legitimate financial services, offering quick loan approvals and attractive interest rates to lure borrowers. However, the agency said users were charged “unusually high” interest rates after receiving the funds, raising concerns over the lending practices of these applications.
Horizon Cash Service, Money Score Monitor and Zelicredit were also accused of accessing large amounts of user data stored on their mobile devices after installation.
"Once downloaded, the transnational criminals are harvesting sensitive information like personal identifiable information (PII) viz, Aadhaar card details, financial details, accessing contacts, gallery, camera, etc.," I4C said in the notice.
According to I4C, the three lending apps were promoted to users through advertisements on the Google Play Store. Following the notification, Google was directed to block access to the three listed URLs within three hours.
The order was issued under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and Rule 3(1)(d) of the Information Technology Rules, 2021. Authorities said the directive has since been complied with.
Six malicious loan apps taken down August 7
The recent order is part of a series of such actions by the government to curb online fraud. For example, on August 7, I4C directed Google to remove or disable access to six loan apps, including LoanOrbit, Hisab, Nexus Loan, One Fund, Credit Factor and Mobile Credit Prairie.
The apps allegedly offered quick loans, charged exorbitant interest and harvested sensitive user data. Google was given three hours to act, and the apps were subsequently taken down.
Five malicious loan apps taken down in July
Similarly, earlier in July 2026, I4C identified five apps on the Google Play Store that allegedly posed as legitimate lenders, offered quick approvals and low interest rates, and then demanded exorbitant interest after disbursing loans.
The agency directed Google to remove or disable access to the apps within three hours.