The lure of earning money by watching Reels and videos could lead to a scam—leaving your bank account completely drained..

"Watch and Earn" App Scam: Advertisements promising "Watch Reels and Earn Money" appear on social media screens daily. But did you know that this "shortcut" to earning a substantial income from the comfort of your home could actually be a digital scam designed to drain your bank account? Cybercriminals ensnare unsuspecting individuals in their traps, pocketing their hard-earned money. In this article, we will explain how these fraudsters execute this scam and how you can protect yourself from it. Let's find out...

**How ​​Does the Scam Work?**
Cybercriminals are targeting people through apps that promise fake rewards and quick money. These apps lure users with the promise of earnings simply for watching reels or videos. Once users install the app, it requests unnecessary permissions, inadvertently exposing various critical personal details. Users are then enticed by the prospect of easy earnings through video viewing; however, when they attempt to withdraw their money, a pop-up for a fake payment app appears. Clicking on this pop-up triggers the download of a malicious APK file. This malicious app then gains unauthorized access to the user's banking details and personal data.

**Keep These Points in Mind to Stay Safe**
*   Do not trust unknown apps that promise monetary earnings.
*   Never download APK files from pop-ups or unauthorized links.
*   Carefully review the permissions requested while installing an app.
*   Grant permissions—such as screen access, SMS access, banking access, or accessibility access—only after careful consideration.
*   Avoid installing apps solely based on social media advertisements or fake reviews.
*   Be extra cautious if an app or individual promises to provide money with little to no effort.

**What to Do If You Fall Victim to Cyber ​​Fraud?**
If you or someone you know falls victim to any form of cyber fraud, report it immediately at cybercrime.gov.in and dial 1930.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.