Latest news with #AndroidApplicationPackage
Hans India
11 hours ago
- Hans India
SP warns public against clicking on APK file links
Kurnool: District Superintendent of Police, Vikrant Patil on Tuesday issued a stern warning to the public not to click on or download APK (Android Application Package) file links being circulated through WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, SMS, and other platforms. He stated that cybercriminals are employing new tactics to deceive users, and opening such links could result in immediate hacking of WhatsApp and mobile phones, leading to severe financial and personal losses. Explaining the modus operandi through a press release on Tuesday, SP Vikrant Patil said cyber fraudsters are sending malicious APK links disguised as delivery updates, refund links, digital KYC updates, bank rewards, E-challans, PM Kisan documents, and free gift offers. Once a user downloads and installs these files, the app requests access to sensitive permissions like SMS, contacts, storage, call logs, and notifications. With this access, the criminals can completely control the phone, steal OTPs, banking details, and even siphon money from accounts. In more serious cases, the fraudsters gain access to a user's phone camera and microphone, collect personal data such as videos and audio recordings, and use them for blackmail. Vulnerable groups like the elderly, people with disabilities, students, unemployed youth, farmers, and online shoppers are being particularly targeted in these attacks. SP Patil urged the public to be extremely cautious and avoid interacting with any unknown or suspicious links. The district police advise everyone to only download apps from trusted platforms like the Google Play Store, review app permissions carefully, never share banking or UPI credentials, and uninstall suspicious apps immediately. Victims of such frauds should call the National Cyber Helpline at 1930, file a complaint at or report to the nearest police station.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Time of India
Wedding invite scam: Cybercrooks use fake APK files to hijack phones, steal bank data
Cybercriminals have found a new way to trap unsuspecting victims — by disguising spyware as digital wedding invitations. A growing scam involves Android Application Package (APK) files shared via WhatsApp links, which once downloaded, allow fraudsters to take full control of a user's phone and steal sensitive data, including banking credentials. In a recent case in Lucknow, Ratnesh, a Jankipuram resident, received a wedding card link via WhatsApp from an unknown number. Thinking it was a harmless invitation, he clicked on it. Moments later, Rs 40,000 was debited from his bank account. By the time he realised the fraud, the money was gone, according to a TOI report. According to Brajesh Kumar Yadav, in charge of the Cyber Crime Police Station, the link led to a spyware-laced APK file specifically designed for Android phones. "Once installed, it allows fraudsters to access everything — from bank details and OTPs to personal files and contacts," Yadav explained. The spyware doesn't stop at financial theft. "Spyware hijacks the phone's functions, including camera, microphone, GPS and messaging system. It can remotely extract information without the user's knowledge, leaving him with a functional phone silently under the control of cyber criminals. The scam also gives fraudsters access to photos and contact lists," Yadav added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's A List Of Cheapest Steel Suppliers (See List) Steel Suppliers | search ads Search Now Undo Two more cases of similar nature have been reported in Lucknow, although the victims have yet to file formal FIRs. Former IPS officer and cyber expert Triveni Singh advised extreme caution. "While APK files are not inherently dangerous, their safety depends largely on the source. APK files downloaded from the Google Play Store are generally secure due to the platform's stringent vetting process. However, files from unknown or untrusted sources can contain malicious code that can harm the device or compromise the user's data," Singh said. Authorities urge users never to download files or click links from unknown contacts, no matter how convincing they appear. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
