Sambalpur: Beware of pink WhatsApp, a new method of fraud, data can be stolen from the phone if you open the link, Odisha police are sleeping

Sambalpur: Cybercrime has increased dramatically since smartphones with internet access came into people’s hands. Most people are not aware of the precautions that need to be taken while being active in the digital world. The lack of awareness among people is a boon for cybercriminals. They are trying to cheat in new ways. A similar incident has come to light in Odisha. That is the pink whatsapp link.

Pink WhatsApp is a phishing attack. It comes with a link to people which has the option to turn WhatsApp pink. Hackers are taking control of the phones of those who open those links. They are stealing contact numbers, photos, and other important information from the phone. They are also able to read the One Time Password (OTP) received while making important financial transactions. Later, hackers use that information to defraud people.

According to cyber expert Prashant Sahu, a few days ago the pink WhatsApp incident took place in Baipariguda. No one has suffered financial loss due to this. Because pink whatsapp can only steal data. It cannot know anyone’s bank account number and password. So it is not so easy to commit financial fraud. Mr. Sahu said that Pink WhatsApp has its roots in China. It would have been easily intercepted if the attack had been launched from any part of India. Since the link is coming from China, it is not easy to catch it.

Giving an example, Mr. Sahu said that Pink WhatsApp Link has a special feature. This link comes to people from any number they have saved in their contacts. As a result, there is no opportunity to mistrust the link. The link is sent from the already hacked phone. It is said that if you update through this link, you will get many new features in WhatsApp. As the link comes from an acquaintance’s number, people open it and move on. Those who do so are at risk. Opening a link without knowing well whether it is coming from a known or unknown person means inviting danger.
If you want to update WhatsApp, Android phone users can update it on Play Store. WhatsApp is not updated through any link. People need to understand that. Before you get attracted to something, you need to ask yourself. He said that this problem can be solved if people are aware.

This scam started in 2021 during the covid epidemic. First, the Wall Street Journal in America published related news. Later this scam happened in different parts of the world. Now such incidents are happening in different parts of the state including Sambalpur. In the past, fraudsters have cheated many people out of thousands of rupees. Many people from different parts of the state, including Sambalpur, were also victims of fraud through this Pink WhatsApp. Mumbai Police, CID, and Crime Branch have alerted people about the Pink WhatsApp scam. States like Karnataka, Telangana, Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh have already issued advice not to download Pink WhatsApp. The Odisha police have not given advice yet. It is said that the Odisha Police will issue an advisory soon.

How does fraud happen?

First you will receive a message from an unknown number on your WhatsApp. ‘Official WhatsApp Launched Pink WhatsApp With Extra New Features. A link is provided with a must-try. As soon as you click on the said link, everything on your mobile can go to the fraudster. The fraudster can find your photos, videos, bank account details, etc. on your mobile. After knowing them, the fraudster can easily clear the account. Also, if the thief gets hold of some personal photos and videos on the mobile, he will blackmail and ask for money.

How to live

According to cyber expert Akash Mishra, many people are downloading APK files containing virus like Pink WhatsApp, GB Whatsapp, FM Whatsapp, etc., in search of some features like hiding statuses, online shows in WhatsApp. He said not to download the app from outside. Download any app from Play Store or iOS official store. He advised to block the number without clicking on the link coming from an unknown number.