The holiday season is meant for celebrations, but cybercriminals are using this cheerful time to run smart scams. A new trick doing the rounds involves fake New Year greetings sent as APK files that can secretly take control of your phone. It usually begins with a harmless-looking WhatsApp message wishing you a Happy New Year. The message may ask you to download an attached file to see a special greeting card or photo and share it with others. But once the APK file is installed, things can go wrong very quickly. What happens after you install the file? Many victims report strange activity on their phones within hours. Apps may open on their own, contacts could be accessed without permission, and in some cases, bank accounts or UPI apps may be misused for unauthorised transactions. Cyber experts say these APK files are designed to work silently in the background. Once installed, they can give scammers full control over the device. Such scams increase during festivals because people are less cautious and more likely to click on unknown links. The cyber wing of the Hyderabad police has also issued a warning, asking people to stay alert. Officials say fraudsters are spreading fake APK files and harmful links through WhatsApp, SMS, and email to steal money and personal data. Read also: Don’t open the ‘Wedding Invitation’ card on WhatsApp What exactly is an APK file? An APK (Android Package Kit) is a file used to install apps on Android phones, similar to an .exe file on a Windows computer. Normally, apps are downloaded safely from the Google Play Store. However, APK files can also be shared through messages, emails, or websites. This method is called sideloading. While sideloading can be useful in rare cases, it is risky. APK files from unknown sources may contain malware that can spy on you, steal data, or empty your bank account. How to spot a WhatsApp scam Scam messages often try to rush you. They may promise rewards, prizes, or urgent updates. Messages from unknown numbers, spelling mistakes, strange links, or requests for OTPs, PINs, or bank details are major warning signs. Genuine companies never ask for such information through messages. Read also: ‘Found your photo’ message can hijack your WhatsApp account Stay Alert, stay secure As technology grows, so do online threats. Scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick users. Staying informed and cautious is your best defence. Keep following our special safety series for easy tips to protect yourself in the digital world.
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