Alert! Fake SMS Claiming Free Covid Vaccine Registration Doing The Rounds In India

A message offering an easy solution to register for the coronavirus vaccine by downloading a new app is now doing rounds on the internet. The SMS is primarily reaching the Android users through the Messages app but in reality it is a link filled with malware.

People wait to get the Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine in a hospital in New Delhi on May 6, 2021. Money SHARMA / AFP

New Delhi: Several people are resorting to social media to seek help and support as India is facing a herculean task battling the Covid-19 pandemic and in tune with the same several platforms have also been set up to help those facing problems with registration due to a shortage in vaccines find available slots around their location.

A message offering an easy solution to register for the coronavirus vaccine by downloading a new app is now doing rounds on the internet. The SMS is primarily reaching the Android users through the Messages app but in reality it is a link filled with malware.

The malware was first spotted by Malware researcher Lukas Stefanko and MalwareHunterTeam last month. The development was shared by the researcher on Twitter.

Stefanko voiced his apprehension in a tweet earlier.

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“SMS worm impersonates Covid-19 vaccine free registration Android SMS worm tries to spread via text messages as fake free registration for Covid-19 vaccine - targets India. It can spread itself via SMS to victim contacts with link to download this malware,” he posted on the micro-blogging platform earlier on April 29.

The Android users receiving such messages are advised to avoid or simply delete the SMS ensuring no link in it is clicked.

In India citizens above the age of 18 can only register for COVID-19 vaccination through the government run CoWIN website, Android app, and Aarogya Setu.