Reportedly as the wedding season peaks, many people are receiving invitations via whatsapp, a convenient and cost-effective method compared to traditional paper cards. However, this growing trend has caught the attention of cybercriminals who are exploiting it to launch a new type of scam. A harmless-looking wedding invitation sent to your phone could be the gateway to a serious cyber-attack that could compromise your entire phone and personal data.
Moreover according to officials from himachal pradesh Police, scammers are now sending malicious wedding invitations through whatsapp in the form of APK files. When unsuspecting recipients download these files, their phones are infected with malware that allows cybercriminals to gain full access to their devices. The scam typically begins with a whatsapp message from an unknown number, claiming to be a wedding invitation. The message includes a file attachment that appears legitimate but is actually a harmful APK file. Once the recipient downloads the file, an application is secretly installed on the phone. This malicious app can access sensitive data, monitor activities, and even hijack the phone’s functions.
Moreover experts agree that staying informed and exercising caution is key to avoiding cyber fraud. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, refrain from downloading unsolicited files, and always verify the authenticity of online communications before taking any action. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, awareness and vigilance are the best defences against becoming a victim of online scams.