WhatsApp APK Scam: Cyber crimes Nowadays, thugs are adopting different methods to carry out the crime. The latest case has come to light from Jammu and Kashmir, where even the Deputy Commander of the Territorial Army was made their victim by thugs. criminals Posing as an officer of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department, he laid such a trap that within a few minutes Rs 8.83 lakh was withdrawn from the officer’s account.
Threatened to disconnect the connection
On February 5, at around 7:55 pm, the officer received a WhatsApp call from an unknown number. The caller, posing as an employee of the water department, said that his water bill was outstanding and if the payment was not made immediately, the connection would be disconnected. After creating panic, the fraudster sent a payment link on WhatsApp and asked to download and install an APK file to pay the bill. Once the file is installed, the real game begins.
Lakhs gone in minutes
The criminals first asked for consumer number and then debit card information. Once the payment was reported as failed and then asked to do the transaction through net banking. Soon after this, the officer received a message that his fixed deposit of Rs 13.72 lakh had been closed prematurely and the amount had come to the savings account. Within a few minutes, several transactions took place from the account and Rs 8.83 lakh was withdrawn. The officer immediately informed the bank and the police. Now the police is investigating the mobile number, IP log, bank trail and APK file.
What is this APK-WhatsApp scam?
According to cyber experts, this is a new but very dangerous method, in which fraudsters pretend to be government department/bank/electricity-water officials. Threaten to stop service if payment is not made immediately. Send link or APK file on WhatsApp. Make the victim install the app. This APK is actually malware (spy software). As soon as it is installed, it records the phone screen, reads OTP, steals information from banking apps. Actually, it gives remote access. That means the phone remains in your hand, but the control goes to the thug.
How do such scams happen?
- Fear of electricity/water bill dues
- KYC update excuse
- SIM lock warning
- Parcel/courier is stuck
- The common thing in every case is haste and fear. In panic, people do not think and install the file.
How to avoid this scam?
- Never download APK files
- Government departments, banks or companies never send APK on WhatsApp.
- Do not click on unknown links
- Always make payment through official website or app only.
- Do not tell OTP, card, PIN to anyone
- No officer asks for this information over phone.
- If the call is stressed then immediately disconnect the call
- Contact the right department yourself.
What to do immediately if you become a victim?
- Call National Cyber Helpline 1930
- www.cybercrime.gov.in File a complaint at
- Give immediate written notice to the bank
- Block net banking and card
- disconnect the phone from the internet
- format mobile
Chances of getting money back increase if you report within first 1–2 hours.
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