Achive.php January 10, 2025 - The Cyber Shark
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Archives for January 10, 2025

The WhatsApp Wedding Invitation Scam: How to Protect Yourself from Digital Fraud

Digital Fraud

Sending wedding invitations is easier than ever. Digital Fraud invitations can easily replace traditional paper cards. However, this shift has opened doors for a dangerous trend: the WhatsApp wedding scam. Fraudsters are now using fake wedding invitations to target unsuspecting individuals, and you could be their next victim. In this article, you can get more information about fake wedding invitation scams. How the Fake Wedding Invitation Scam Works Imagine receiving a WhatsApp message from an unknown number. The sender claims to be inviting you to a wedding. The message feels genuine, with friendly language and attachments labeled as wedding cards. Without much thought, you tap on the file to see the invite. However, these attachments are not actual invitations but malicious APK files. Typically, APK or Android Package Kit files are used to install apps on Android devices. If these APK files are corrupted and you download and open them, you may unknowingly grant the scammers access to your device. The digital wedding Digital Fraud feels personal and believable. Weddings are joyous occasions, and most people wouldn’t suspect foul play. Scammers exploit this trust to trick you into downloading malware. How a Fake Wedding Invitation Scam Can Lead to Financial Losses If you fall victim to this digital wedding scam, you could face financial losses in the following ways: Compromised Sensitive Banking Data: Through malware, cybercriminals can extract banking information you may have saved on your phone. This could include account numbers, card details, passwords to various financial accounts, payment details saved on browsers, and auto-fill credentials. OTP Theft: Scammers can use malware to intercept messages containing OTPs. This way, they can authorize unauthorized payments or money transfers. They can also gain access to your banking and payment apps. Exploiting Payment Apps: Malware can allow scammers to access banking and payment apps. They can use the information stored in the app to steal money from your accounts. Saved card details could be used to make fraudulent transactions. Unauthorized Subscription to Paid Services: Cybercriminals may use your compromised data to subscribe to premium services, apps, or websites. These services might charge recurring fees directly to your Credit or Debit Card. Hence, you ought to check your transaction history regularly to prevent scammers from draining your funds. Account Takeover: By hijacking your financial accounts, Digital Fraud can lock you out of your accounts and steal your money. They may also use your account to conduct fraudulent activities. Therefore, you must report this immediately and protect yourself from liabilities. Identity Theft: This digital wedding Digital Fraud can also put your personal identification details at risk. Scammers can access these details saved on your phone and use them to open new accounts, apply for Credit Cards or loans, or impersonate you to commit Digital Fraud. Phishing: Malware can enable scammers to monitor your activities and create opportunities for phishing. This may include sending targeted phishing emails or messages to trick you into sharing more private information. Extortion: Fraudsters can use your data to blackmail you. They can demand ransom in exchange for not leaking sensitive photos and videos. This can lead to not only monetary losses but also emotional distress. How to Spot and Avoid the WhatsApp Wedding Scam By staying cautious, you can avoid falling victim to this fake wedding invitation scam. Here are some simple steps: Be Wary of Unknown Numbers: Be suspicious if you receive a message from a number you don’t recognize. Digital Fraud often target random users, hoping someone will take the bait. Verify the Sender: Before downloading any file, confirm its authenticity. If it’s a wedding invitation, ask the sender directly—preferably through a call or message on another platform. Avoid Downloading APK Files: Typically, you’d receive wedding invitations in the form of images, video files, or URLs as they are convenient. Legitimate wedding invitations don’t require you to download separate apps. Use Antivirus Software: You can keep your phone secure with antivirus apps for Digital Fraud. These can detect and block malware before it causes harm with Digital Fraud. Enable Security Features: Review your phone’s permissions from time to time. Make sure your apps can’t access sensitive data without your explicit consent with Digital Fraud. How Do You Know Your Phone Has Malware? Your phone may be infected with malware if you notice the following: You notice an increased number of pop-ups and inappropriate ads. You see apps you haven’t downloaded or don’t recognize. You may not be able to uninstall unrecognized apps. You notice your phone slows down or crashes often. Your contacts may receive messages that you did not send. You may see unauthorized transactions in your account due to scammers using bank details saved on your phone to subscribe to paid services. What to Do If You’re a Victim Taking prompt action can minimize the damage against this fraud on WhatsApp: Disconnect Your Phone: You must immediately switch off Wi-Fi and mobile data to limit the hacker’s access. Change Your Passwords: Update all important accounts, especially banking, email, and social media, to prevent further misuse. Alert Your Contacts: If scammers are using your WhatsApp account to send fraudulent messages, inform your contacts not to engage. Report the Incident: Don’t let cybercriminals get away. Report the scam to authorities by dialing 1930, the National Cyber Crime portal helpline in India. You can also visit https://cybercrime.gov.in to complain. Protecting Yourself in a Digital World and Stay Vigilant As the use of Digital Fraud platforms grows, scams like the WhatsApp wedding scam will only become more sophisticated. Staying informed is your best definition. *Disclaimer: Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your circumstances.

TGCSB organizes Cyber Awareness Day to tackle digital frauds

digital arrest scams

Telangana Cyber Security Bureau Launches ‘Cyber Jaagrookta Diwas’ to Combat digital arrest Scams The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) started the New Year with a special initiative called ‘Cyber Jaagrookta Diwas’. On 08/01/2025, the bureau held 394 meetings and 23 awareness rallies across the state. These events aimed to educate people about the risks of digital arrest scams, reaching 35,700 participants from all walks of life. The campaign focuses on teaching citizens about emerging cyber threats and promoting public safety online. It emphasizes the importance of practicing good cyber hygiene, being cautious while using the internet, and understanding the dangers of sharing personal or financial details with strangers. Throughout January, TGCSB will continue its mission to spread awareness about digital arrest scams. This will include organizing workshops, community outreach programs, and additional rallies to educate more people. These scams involve fraudsters pretending to be law enforcement officials. They claim that the victim is under investigation or has an outstanding arrest warrant and demand payments through RTGS or NEFT to avoid immediate arrest. Scammers often use fake documents, spoofed caller IDs, or video calls to make their claims appear legitimate. The bureau has issued a reminder to the public: no police officer or law enforcement agency will conduct investigations over phone or video calls, or demand money transfers for any reason. Genuine officers do not ask for payments to cancel warrants or settle cases. In its advisory, TGCSB urged citizens to stay alert and avoid falling prey to such digital arrest scams. “Be skeptical of any calls, messages, or emails claiming to be from law enforcement or government agencies that request immediate payment or sensitive information,” the bureau advised. By staying informed and cautious, people can protect themselves from these fraudulent schemes.

Cyber-crime police station issues advisory over fraudulent websites offering online booking during MahaKumbh

Mahakumbh

The Mahakumbh is set to be held in Prayagraj starting January 13 and will continue till February 26. Lakhs of devotees from across the country and even abroad are expected to visit the Kumbh Mela. THE CYBER CRIME police station in Pimpri Chinchwad has issued an advisory, cautioning residents about fraudulent websites swindling people on the pretext of online booking for stay and passes or seeking donations for events. The Mahakumbh is set to be held in Prayagraj starting January 13 and will continue till February 26. Lakhs of devotees from across the country and even abroad are expected to visit the Kumbh Mela. An advisory issued by the Pimpri Chinchwad police on 09/01/2025 night read, “A large number of fake websites, links, and other platforms have been created on the internet and social media to exploit the faith of the devotees who wish to visit the Mahakumbh. This has come to the attention of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) of the Ministry of Home Affairs. On this background, Pimpri Chinchwad police are issuing an advisory cautioning people to beware of these scams.” The advisory further reads, “The victim can be potentially cheated in different ways. Fraudulent websites, links, and other platforms can cheat people on the pretext of collecting donations from devotees. Devotees can also be cheated on the pretext of bookings for hotels, tents, and other types of accommodations at the event.” Some of these platforms can ask devotees to download malicious files and gain access to the users’ devices, officials said. The advisory further reads, “Devotees should not click on any questionable websites or links.  All the official information about the Mahakumbh can be obtained from kumbh.gov.in which is the official website of the event. Do not share sensitive financial information, or passwords with the callers or platforms. Approach the cybercrime helpline or nearest police station in case of suspicion of cheating.” Officials said that cyber dost, which is the official platform of the I4C, has shared names of authorized locations for stays, hotels, and guest houses for Kumbh. When contacted, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) for Pimpri Chinchwad Sandeep Doiphode said, “We have not yet reported any cases of cheating related to Mahakumbh. However, based on observation from Central entities, we have issued the advisory cautioning people as a large number of devotees from here may visit the event.”