A single click can put you in grave danger

Wedding Invitation Scam, Scam — Image source: FILE Wedding invitation scams are on the rise

It’s wedding season in India and with digitalization, there are more and more e-invitations on WhatsApp, an easy way to inform family members and friends. But if technology is any help, this can also be a dangerous mode as scammers have discovered this new way to steal data and hack into the users’ phones.

The cyber criminals are reportedly exploiting a wedding invitation scam that looks like a simple wedding invitation link on your smartphone app, which could lead to a gateway for a cyber attack, putting all your data stored on the device at risk come.

Fake wedding invitation

The Himachal Pradesh Police has warned citizens about this latest scam. Cybercriminals send fake wedding invitations via WhatsApp as malicious APK files.

How is this scam triggered?

Once the user downloads the e-invitation card on their smartphone, the file infects the device with malware, giving hackers full access to your device. Attackers can steal users’ personal information, send messages from the infected device, and even attempt extortion, all without the victim being aware.

How does the Wedding Invitation scam work?

The scam usually starts with a WhatsApp message from an unknown number acting like a family member sharing a wedding invitation.
The message contains an attachment that seems harmless, but it is indeed a ‘malicious APK file’.
If the user downloads the file, they will install a malicious app on the phone, which will immediately gain access to all your sensitive data, monitor your activities and possibly take control of the device.
In more advanced cases, hackers have used the compromised device to send messages to the victim’s contacts, posing as the number owner and asking for money or other sensitive information.
This type of attack can lead to serious financial and personal losses for unsuspecting users.

Cyber Security Warning: Be careful with unknown files

The Himachal Pradesh Cyber Police has warned residents of the area to be alert and cautious if they receive a wedding invitation via WhatsApp message from unknown numbers, especially if it contains attachments.

It is important to avoid downloading files from unknown senders, especially APK files, as they are often used to distribute malicious apps.

DIG Mohit Chawla, Himachal Pradesh CID and Cybercrime Department, emphasized the need for vigilance.

He advised: “If you receive an unsolicited wedding invitation or other file from an unknown number, do not click on it. Before downloading anything to your phone, check the sender and make sure the file is legitimate.

Chawla also noted that even files from known contacts should be checked if they seem unusual as the sender’s device can also be compromised.

What to do if you are targeted by cybercriminals

If you fall victim to this or similar cyber scam, authorities recommend taking swift action.
You can also report cyber fraud by calling 1930, the national cybercrime helpline, or by visiting the official government portal at cybercrime.gov.in to file a complaint.
Authorities have also raised concerns about other online scams that are becoming more common, including fraudulent loan offers that claim to offer quick cash but steal financial data, leading to identity theft and financial loss.
Also, don’t forget the number details on the Chakshu portal.

How to stay safe in the digital world

To stay safe and protected from falling prey to cyber fraud, experts have recommended exercising caution and awareness:
Avoid clicking on unknown links and downloading unsolicited files.
Always check the authenticity of online communications before taking action.
Even with known contacts, be cautious if messages or attachments seem unusual.

As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, it is critical to stay informed and vigilant.

Awareness is the best defense against online scams and will keep you and your data safe in an increasingly digital world