Himachal Pradesh wedding card scam: Cybercriminals using digital invitations to steal data, police issue advisory
Representative image: Wedding Card Scam
Shimla – Cyber ​​fraudsters in Himachal Pradesh have come up with a new scam in which they are taking advantage of the festive wedding season to target unsuspecting individuals. Police have warned that fraudsters are sending digital wedding cards with malicious APK files through WhatsApp, which install malware on phones, giving hackers access to personal data and bank accounts.
The Himachal Pradesh Cyber ​​Police has received several complaints of such frauds from Shimla, Dharamshala and Hamirpur. Officials have urged people to be cautious while receiving suspicious digital wedding cards, especially from unknown numbers.
Fraudsters are taking advantage of APK (Android package) files disguised as wedding invitations. When downloaded, these files install malicious apps on smartphones. Once installed, hackers gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, including contact lists, banking details and other personal data. In some cases, the fraudsters have also used the compromised phones to send fraudulent messages to the victim’s contacts, further aggravating their ruse.
Additional Superintendent of Police Narveer Singh Rathore stressed, “Do not open or download files received from unknown numbers without proper verification. Such actions may compromise the security of your phone, and hackers may steal your data or access your accounts.”
Police advice
To counter the growing threat, the police have issued the following precautions:
- Avoid downloading any files, especially APKs, sent through unknown numbers on WhatsApp.
- Verify the sender before opening digital invitations or files.
- Use up-to-date antivirus software and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
- Immediately report suspicious messages or fraud to the cyber police.
How the malware works
The fraud usually begins with a WhatsApp message containing a link or file of a wedding invitation. Once the APK file is downloaded, it silently installs a malicious app, giving hackers control over the victim’s device. This allows them to extract sensitive information and, in some cases, use the device for further fraudulent activities.
This new wave of cybercrime is particularly dangerous due to its deceptive nature. Weddings are considered auspicious, and such digital invitations have become commonplace. However, the misuse of this tradition for criminal gain highlights the importance of digital vigilance.
The police urge citizens to remain vigilant and prioritise their cybersecurity to avoid falling prey to such scams.
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