All about the new wedding invite scam on WhatsApp. Here’s how to avoid being hacked | Trending

Nov 13, 2024 03:45 PM Digital wedding invitations are being used scammers to deliver malware via WhatsApp. Once downloaded, these files can give hackers access to personal data. As digital wedding cards become common, cyber criminals are using them to trick unsuspecting users into a new scam. A seemingly harmless wedding invitation sent as a downloadable file to your WhatsApp account can be the gateway for cyber criminals to enter your phone and access personal data. Police said scammers are sending malicious wedding invitations via WhatsApp.(Representational) According to a report News18, officials from Himachal Pradesh Police said that scammers are sending malicious wedding invitations via WhatsApp. Unsuspecting recipients receive such files that often come masked as downloadable APK files. Once you download them to see the invite, the malware grants cybercriminals full access to your devices. Hackers can then send messages from your phone, steal your data and use it to extort money from you. How the wedding invitation scam worksThe scam begins when you receive a message on WhatsApp from an unknown number. The message will include a few lines about being invited to a wedding followed a few attachments that appear to be the digital wedding card. However, these are APK files, once downloaded, get secretly installed in your phone and can access sensitive data and monitor your activities. Cybercriminals can also use the data found in your phone to scam anyone further pretending to be the phone’s owner and seek money. (Also read: Crime in Mumbai: How cyber conmen drive their victims into debt) How to protect yourselfHimachal Pradesh Cyber Police have issued a warning advising residents to be cautious of such messages from unknown numbers. Do not download any files sent from unfamiliar sources. “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,” Senior police officer Mohit Chawla, Himachal Pradesh State CID and Cyber Crime Department, told News18. If you fall victim to this or any other cyber scam, do not stay quiet. Report the cyber fraud dialling 1930, a national helpline for cybercrime, or visiting the official government portal at https://cybercrime.gov.in to reger a complaint. Get Latest Updates on… See more News / Trending / All about the new wedding invite scam on WhatsApp. Here’s how to avoid being hacked