New Year Greetings Turn Risky: Cybercriminals Target Users With Fake Messages and Links
New Year cyber fraud: Cybercriminals are already on alert even before the New Year arrives. Fake messages on social media apps and email can give scammers control of your phone and bank account. Experts have warned about this. Learn how you can avoid this scam.
The New Year is only a few days away. People are busy wishing their friends and family members in advance, but cybercriminals are gradually getting active as well. Thus, as every year, the instances of cyber fraud cases are expected to escalate soon.
Nowadays, greetings are done by text message, GIFs, stickers, videos, and cards. But most greetings for the new year received from social media and email accounts are not genuine. Be careful because they contain harming links or APKs which if clicked may threaten your smartphone and even your bank accounts.
According to the420.in, cybercrime expert and former IPS officer, Professor Triveni Singh has issued a warning this year. He says that during the New Year, people are preoccupied with entertainment and neglect digital security. Taking advantage of this, cybercriminals can steal money from bank accounts and digital wallets in minutes.
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According to Professor Singh, clicking on an unknown link or downloading a file may seem like a small mistake, but it can cause significant losses. Once they gain access to your phone, criminals can steal your personal information, photos, messages, and bank details.
According to cyber experts, APK files are the most dangerous method of cyber fraud. Once installed, scammers can view your screen, read messages and calls, capture OTPs, and directly access banking apps. The phone remains in your hands, but the criminals control it. Therefore, it's best to be vigilant.
Another new scam has emerged these days. Many cybercriminals first create fake profiles on social media. They gradually increase communication and gain trust, and then, on special occasions, send links with New Year greetings. Because the other person appears familiar, people click without thinking. Therefore, you must avoid these things.
To avoid cyber fraud, keep these things in mind: Click on any message carefully. Never click on messages from unknown numbers or profiles. Do not download or install any APK files to send special messages. Strengthen your social media privacy settings and verify bank-related messages through official channels. Do not share your OTP, PIN, CVV, or bank details with anyone. Finally, most importantly, avoid fake digital gifts and rewards.
