As India gears up for New Year festivities, a dangerous new cyber fraud scheme is spreading rapidly across popular messaging platforms. The Hyderabad Cyber Crime unit has issued an urgent public warning about a sophisticated WhatsApp scam disguised as festive greetings and lucrative offers.
How the Deceptive New Year Scam Operates
In a detailed alert posted on social media platform X, the Hyderabad Cyber Crime Unit revealed that fraudsters are circulating messages containing fake "Happy New Year" greetings, gift vouchers, exclusive SBI credit card deals, travel discounts, and event tickets. These messages are being shared not only on WhatsApp but also via SMS and other social media channels.
The authorities emphasized that clicking on the suspicious links embedded in these messages triggers the installation of malicious software on the victim's mobile device. Once installed, this malware can lead to theft of One-Time Passwords (OTPs) and sensitive banking information. It can also result in the misuse of the compromised WhatsApp account to further propagate the scam among the victim's contacts.
Official Advisory and Reporting Mechanism
The cyber crime unit's post clearly stated: "Cyber Scam Alert During New Year Celebrations." It urged citizens to remain extremely vigilant and avoid clicking on any unknown or unsolicited links, regardless of how festive or friendly they may appear.
In case anyone falls victim to this or any other cyber fraud, the unit has instructed them to immediately call the national helpline number 1930 or file a report online through the official portal at http://cybercrime.gov.in.
Essential Safety Tips to Avoid the Fraud
To protect themselves during the holiday season, users are advised to follow these crucial cybersecurity practices:
- Avoid clicking on links received from unknown numbers or in forwarded messages, even if they promise exciting New Year deals.
- Always take a moment to verify the sender's identity before interacting with any promotional or greeting content.
- Ensure your WhatsApp application and phone's operating system are updated to the latest versions, as updates often contain critical security patches.
- Regularly review and strengthen your device's security settings.
- Promptly report any suspicious message to the cyber crime helpline or portal to help authorities track the perpetrators.
This timely warning from the Hyderabad police underscores the need for increased digital vigilance during periods of celebration, when people are more likely to let their guard down. By following these simple steps, users can enjoy a safer and more secure New Year.
