News India Live, Digital Desk: Whatsapp photo scam: Cyber criminals are constantly targeting people in new ways. There has been a tremendous increase in cyber fraud cases in the last year and a half, and now a new photo scam targeting WhatsApp users has come out. In this scam, users are sent to users with normal but dangerous malware. Your mobile phone can be hacked as soon as you download the photo and in a few seconds your bank account can be empty.
WhatsApp photo scam works?
In this new scam, hackers send a photo to the users from an unknown number, which at first glance is like a meme, greetings message or general forwarded image. But actually dangerous malware is hidden inside the photo. As soon as you download that photo, the malware is installed in your phone and the hacker gets the control of your phone.
Damage due to malware:
Hacker after installing malware in the phone:
- Can track your typing activities.
- Your banking apps and other private apps can open.
- Your password can steal.
- Can clone your digital identity.
In some serious cases this malware can also bypass 2-factor authentication, which can disappear from your account without any alert.
Who is on the target?
According to cyber security experts, both Android and iPhone users are in danger. Often such scams spread more during festivals, big cells or major news, when people quickly trust messages from unknown numbers.
Follow these measures to stay safe on Whatsapp:
- Never download a photo or file from unknown number.
- Go to Whatsapp Settings and close “Auto-Download”.
- Place an antivirus software installed in the phone and update regularly.
- Report it immediately and block the number when the suspicious message is received.
- Make sure to make the elderly of the house and other family members aware of this new scam.
By following these precautions, you can avoid getting caught in the trap of cyber criminals.
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