By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS
As the wedding season kicks in, your phone is probably buzzing with digital invites on WhatsApp. Amidst all the celebrations, though, lurks a sinister twist—cybercriminals are riding the wedding wave to steal your money and data.
Imagine: you open an invitation from an unknown sender, expecting confetti and joy, but instead, it’s a backdoor to a full-on cyberattack.
How the Scam Works
In this crafty new con, scammers are sending fake wedding invitations disguised as APK files—essentially apps for Android. They prey on curiosity and excitement, enticing recipients to open the “invitation” only to unleash malware.
Once downloaded, the malware grants cybercriminals sweeping access to your phone, allowing them to siphon off personal data, send messages as you, and even swipe funds.
Not Just Any Virus—A Silent Saboteur
The malware’s impact is alarming. It doesn’t just lurk; it observes, siphons, and even reads your OTPs, giving criminals the keys to your financial kingdom.
From logging into banking apps to requesting money from family and friends on your behalf, this malware is a silent predator that can wreak havoc before you even realize it.
Staying One Step Ahead
Authorities, including the Himachal Pradesh Cyber Police, have cautioned against clicking on attachments from unknown sources. It’s best to delete any dubious invite, and if curiosity gets the better of you, confirm the sender’s identity through another channel. No wedding invite is worth risking your bank balance or personal information.
As a rule of thumb, stay alert—trusting your gut and questioning unexpected files can save you from falling prey to the season’s newest scam. After all, weddings are meant for celebrations, not for opening doors to cybercriminals
