New Year Fraud Alert: Only one day remains until the New Year. Just as people are planning parties or trips with family and friends for the New Year, cyber criminals are planning to empty your bank accounts. A new scam has recently surfaced, in which fraudsters are sending a dangerous APK file under the guise of “Happy New Year” greetings. These can be sent to you via WhatsApp, social media, and email.
New Year Fraud Alert: How does the scam work?
The message asks you to download a file to view a “special greeting card” or “photo” and share it with your loved ones. As soon as you download the file or click on the link, they can gain access to your bank account and smartphone. Very few people realise that this file is actually malware (malicious software) designed to infiltrate your phone.
WhatsApp Scam 2026: What happens after downloading the file?
According to victims, strange activity begins on their phones within a few hours of downloading the file. Apps start opening automatically, and hackers gain access to your contacts and gallery. Even more dangerous is the fact that transactions can be made through the banking apps or UPI on your phone. Cyber experts say that these files work silently in the background and give scammers access to your phone.
New Year 2026 Cyber Fraud Alert: Cyber Wing issues warning
The Hyderabad Police Cyber Wing has issued a warning regarding this. According to officials, cyber criminals are sending malicious links and APK files via WhatsApp, SMS, and email to steal people’s personal information and money from their bank accounts. Police have advised against clicking on links from unknown numbers or downloading any files.
