Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 25: Cybercriminals are employing sophisticated tactics to target unsuspecting individuals, with recent reports highlighting a surge in fraudulent activities involving WhatsApp. Fraudsters create APK (Android application package) files using Remote Access Tools, sending them directly to mobile numbers linked to bank accounts.

Once recipients unwittingly open these files, cybercriminals gain unfettered access to their text messages. This breach facilitates the theft of One-Time Passwords (OTPs), enabling fraudsters to execute unauthorized transactions and siphon funds from victims' accounts.

To counter this threat, individuals are advised to exercise caution and refrain from opening any APK files or Android apps received via WhatsApp or text messages, especially if they're directed to numbers associated with bank accounts. Android users are further encouraged to bolster their device security by disabling the option to install apps from unknown sources.

In the event of an inadvertent click on a suspicious file, immediate action is crucial—activate airplane mode or power off the device, then contact the bank to freeze the account and report the incident promptly. Victims of fraudulent transactions are urged to report the matter to the authorities by dialling the dedicated cybercrime helpline number 1930 and filing a formal complaint. These proactive measures are essential for safeguarding against cyber fraud and mitigating potential financial losses.