Explorer

Wedding Invitation Scam Explained: Received "आमंत्रण.apk" File? Do Not Download It Or You'll Lose Everything

Wedding Invitation Scam Explained: Do not download THIS apk file from WhatsApp if you don't want to be scammed.

Cybercrime and cyberattacks have been on the rise for quite some time now, especially with more cases surfacing about digital arrests, financial scams, and whatnot. A new cyberattack has joined this lineup now, and it is probably something that many of us might fall for. We Indians celebrate weddings like anything, and if we see a wedding invitation card on our WhatsApp, then there are high chance that we will download it to view the invite. This is where things will go south for us.

An APK file disguised as a wedding invitation card has appeared in the inbox of a few people recently. The file name will be "आमंत्रण.apk" and the size of the file will be 4.5 Mb. If you click on the file then it will ask your permission to get installed, and if by chance you allow it, then malware installs on your device, compromising your bank account, pictures, and much more.

A recent incident in Rajasthan showcased the consequences of this scam, where a victim lost Rs 4.5 lakh after opening a fraudulent wedding invitation PDF. The malware gained access to the victim's bank account information, enabling cybercriminals to steal the money.

ALSO READ | OpenAI Brings ChatGPT To WhatsApp: How To Use, Limitations & More

Wedding Invitation Scam: Modus Operandi 

In a report by the Business Standard, Vikram Babbar, Partner at EY Forensic & Integrity Services - Financial Services, was quoted as saying, "A PDF document, often from an unknown number but with a familiar name, is forwarded on WhatsApp. When the victim opens it, the 'apk' file installs malware on their phone. This malware gains unauthorised access to sensitive data like banking apps, OTPs, and account details. Fraudsters then use this information for illicit money transfers."
 
Babbar added, "These scams are more common among Android users compared to those on iOS."

Authorities Issue Warning

CCITR (Center For Cybercrime Investigation Training & Research) and Cybercrime Division of CID Karnataka posted about this scam on their X handle and wrote, "WARNING ⚠️ Don't RSVP to cyber scams! Don't download fake wedding card! Be cautious of suspicious APK files claiming to be digital wedding cards. They might contain malware. Verify authenticity before downloading!"

Cyber Police of Uttar Pradesh posted, "Beware of Whatsapp  Wedding Card Scams: Don't click any .apk file ...."

If you come across any such files on your WhatsApp accounts or any other place then do not download it. No matter how known the sender is, do not download or install the apk file or your cybersecurity will be compromised heavily within seconds.

View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headlines

'You Will Be Chief Minister Someday': Fadnavis Tells His Deputy Ajit Pawar, Shares 24-Hour Work Plan
'You Will Be Chief Minister Someday': Fadnavis Tells His Deputy Ajit Pawar, Shares 24-Hour Work Plan
'Motion' To Remove Jagdeep Dhankhar As Rajya Sabha Chairman Dismissed On Technicality. Here's What Happened
'Motion' To Remove Dhankhar As RS Chairman Dismissed On Technicality
Rahul Gandhi Sports Blue T-Shirt To Protest Ambedkar's 'Insult'. Know Why Blue Is Linked With Dalit Resistance
RaGa Sports Blue T-Shirt To Protest Ambedkar's 'Insult'. Know Why Blue Is Linked With Dalit Resistance
'I Never Thought...': Ravichandran Ashwin Responds To Father's Controversial Remarks
'I Never Thought...': Ravichandran Ashwin Responds To Father's Controversial Remarks
Advertisement
ABP Premium

Videos

Rahul Gandhi Linked to Incident That Led to BJP MP Mukesh Rajput’s HospitalizationBJP MP Mukesh Rajput Hospitalized in ICU After Alleged Push by Rahul GandhiHeated Exchange in Parliament as Opposition Targets Amit Shah Over Ambedkar RemarksLucknow Protest Turns Tragic: Congress Worker Dies, Police Investigation Underway

Photo Gallery

Embed widget