Srinagar, Dec 31: The Cyber Crime Investigation Centre for Excellence of the Crime Branch, Jammu and Kashmir, has issued a public advisory warning people against a sharp rise in cyber fraud cases involving fake New Year greeting links and malicious APK files circulating across digital platforms.
According to the advisory issued on Wednesday, cyber criminals are actively exploiting the festive season by sending deceptive messages claiming to offer New Year wishes, gifts, or video cards. These messages are being circulated through SMS, WhatsApp, social media platforms, and emails, and often contain suspicious links or APK files with names such as “NewYear.apk”.
The advisory states that once such links are clicked or APK files installed, the victim’s mobile phone and applications, including messaging apps, can be compromised. This may result in theft of personal data, banking credentials, and unauthorized access to financial and social media accounts.
Officials highlighted several red flags that people should watch out for. These include messages demanding urgent action or threatening penalties, requests to download APK files or enable installation from unknown sources, and receiving one time passwords without initiating any transaction or request.
The cyber wing has advised the public not to click on unknown or suspicious links and to avoid downloading or installing APK files received via SMS or messaging applications. People have been urged to install mobile applications only from official platforms such as the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and never share OTPs, PINs, or banking details with anyone under any circumstances.
The advisory has been issued by the Cyber Crime Investigation Centre for Excellence, which operates under the Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police, as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent digital fraud and protect inhabitants from cyber threats during the holiday season.
Citizens who fall victim to cyber crime or notice suspicious activity have been advised to report it immediately through the national cyber crime helpline 1930 or on the official cyber crime reporting portal. [KNT]
