As we know that there is a rising trend of digital wedding invitations on WhatsApp, but it is now exploited by the scammers reportedly.
WhatsApp Wedding Invitation Can Cause Spreading Malware on Your Phone
It appears that the Himachal Pradesh Police officials have released a warning in this regard stating scammers are using these digital wedding invitations that are shared on WhatsApp to spread malware and compromise personal data.
Further, they are sending malicious APK files disguised as wedding invitations via WhatsApp as per the report.
It is dangerous as downloading these files could infect your smartphones with malware and hackers can get full access to your device too.
That being said, the hackers can send messages, steal personal information, and even extort money from the victim’s phone, without their knowledge.
As we can witness that the wedding season has already kicked off and digital invitations are getting more & more popular.
So, the users are urged to exercise caution and avoid downloading suspicious files, even if they are coming from trusted contacts.
Moving ahead, this new WhatsApp scam scam uses fake wedding invitations to trick users into downloading malware, as per the report.
If you are wondering about this scam, it starts with receiving a message from an unknown number which has an attached APK file disguised as a wedding invitation.
Once the targeted user downloads the file, the malicious file installs an app that grants cybercriminals access to the victim’s data.
It also allows the scammers to monitor activities and even hijack the phone’s functions.
It doesn’t end there as the scammers can use the compromised device to impersonate the victim and send messages to their contacts requesting money or sensitive information in some cases.
All this is very critical as it can result in significant financial losses and reputational damage.
HP Police Releasing A Warning Against Scammers
The Himachal Pradesh Cyber Police are urging citizens to be wary of messages from unknown numbers, particularly those containing attachments, following a rise in cybercrime related to malicious files spread via WhatsApp, said the report.
Moreover, the authorities have advised users against downloading any files from unfamiliar sources, especially APK files, which are often used to install malware.
“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,” said DIG Mohit Chawla, Himachal Pradesh State CID and Cyber Crime Department, in a media release.
Please note here that downloading files from trusted contacts is generally considered safe.
Here comes the twist as the Himachal Pradesh Cyber Police has emphasized the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any file received especially if it seems unusual or unexpected.
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