As the wedding season is coming, many of us are receiving invites via WhatsApp—a convenient and affordable option over traditional paper cards. But beware! Cybercriminals are now exploiting this trend to spread malicious files that can put your personal data at serious risk. A simple WhatsApp message with a wedding invitation could actually be the gateway for a harmful cyber-attack on your phone.
According to the Himachal Pradesh Police, scammers are now sending fake wedding invitations through WhatsApp in the form of APK files. When people download these files, their phones get infected with malware that grants attackers full access to the device, reports News18. Once inside, hackers can access sensitive data, send messages from your phone, and even extort money—all without you knowing it.
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This type of scam typically starts with a message on WhatsApp from an unknown number claiming to be a wedding invitation. Along with the message, there’s a file attachment that looks genuine but is actually a dangerous APK file. When unsuspecting recipients download this file, a malicious app secretly installs itself on their phone. This app can then monitor their activities, access personal data, and even take control of the device’s functions.
Once the malware is active, cybercriminals can use the infected phone to send fraudulent messages to the victim’s contacts, asking for money or other sensitive information. The messages appear to be from the phone’s owner, making it easier for hackers to trick people into falling for the scam. This sneaky attack can lead to significant financial loss and harm to the victim’s reputation.
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The Himachal Pradesh Cyber Police have issued a warning, urging people to stay cautious when receiving messages from unknown numbers, especially those with attachments. Officials recommend not downloading any files from unfamiliar sources, particularly APK files, which are commonly used by scammers to install harmful software.
DIG Mohit Chawla from Himachal Pradesh’s Cyber Crime Department emphasised, “If you receive an unsolicited wedding invitation or any file from an unknown number, do not click on it. Ensure you verify the sender and the file before downloading anything onto your phone.”
While downloading files from trusted contacts is usually safe, it’s still wise to confirm the legitimacy of any unexpected file, especially if it seems out of context. By staying vigilant, you can keep your phone and personal information safe from this rising threat.