Summary: New Year wishes on WhatsApp can become a problem, know the whole truth
On the occasion of New Year 2026, dangerous APK/XAPK files are being sent on WhatsApp in the name of ‘Happy New Year’, which if downloaded can install a virus in the phone.
Happy New Year Scam: Amidst the happiness of the New Year cyber thugs Has laid a new trap. whatsapp But in the name of New Year wishes, a dangerous scam is spreading rapidly, in which people are unknowingly putting their own phones and bank accounts at risk. This scam seems very simple, but its damage can be serious.
fraud under the guise of good wishes
As soon as the New Year starts, people use WhatsApp a lot to send greetings to friends and family. Taking advantage of this opportunity, cyber criminals are sending photos or files to people in the name of Happy New Year. These files look like normal images, but they are actually dangerous.
Especially the names of such files have .APK or .XAPK written at the end. If a user downloads these, a virus or malware may be installed on the phone without his knowledge.
Why is APK file dangerous?
Well-known tipster Abhishek Yadav has given information about this new New Year scam being sent on WhatsApp to his ex. He told that APK file is actually a file for installing Android app. Any photo or video coming on WhatsApp cannot be in APK format. This is the reason that as soon as any “New Year Wish” file named Happy_New_Year.apk or similar is seen, one should immediately be alert.
According to cyber experts, once such files are installed in the phone, they can read your OTP and private messages, access the contact list, steal information from banking apps and take the phone under remote control.
How does this New Year scam work?
Scammers first send a simple message on WhatsApp. The message reads, “This is a special New Year wish, download it, watch it and share it further.” An APK file is also attached.
As soon as the user downloads the file and opens it, within a few hours strange activities start happening on the phone. In many cases, apps start opening automatically, phone speed suddenly decreases, money is deducted from the bank without entering OTP. The user then realizes that he has become a victim of a scam.
Why do such frauds increase during festivals?
Cyber experts say that such scams increase during festivals, because people get emotional and click on links or files without checking them. During New Year, Diwali or any big occasion, people ignore security, and this is the biggest weapon of fraudsters.
Warning from police and cyber agencies
In recent times, cyber security agencies and police departments have also advised people to be cautious. The warning states that fraudsters are sending fake APK files and dangerous links through WhatsApp, SMS and email.
Their aim is simply to steal people’s personal information and money. Especially such users are being targeted who are not very cautious about technology.
how to keep yourself safe
If you want to avoid such scams, it is very important to keep some things in mind:
- Do not download any APK or XAPK file that comes on WhatsApp.
- Delete unknown or suspicious files immediately
- Go to phone settings and turn off the option to install apps from “Unknown Sources”.
- Use a reliable anti-virus app on your phone
- Contact the bank and cyber helpline immediately on any suspicious activity
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