WhatsApp Wedding Card Scam: Fake wedding cards are emptying bank accounts, learn how to identify fake messages..

Digital wedding invitations have become increasingly common these days. Instead of visiting relatives and friends to deliver invitation cards, people send them in image, video, or PDF format via WhatsApp or other messaging apps. This has made sending invitations to distant relatives easier, but cybercriminals have taken advantage of this very convenience to defraud people. Wedding invitations sent via WhatsApp have rapidly become a scam. Thousands of people across the country are falling victim to fraudulent invitations. Let's explore how to identify and avoid fake invitations.

How does a wedding invitation scam occur?
Wedding invitation scams begin with a message from an unknown number. The message includes a wedding invitation and an attachment that looks exactly like a card. As soon as the person opens the file out of curiosity, the malware or APK file attached to the message automatically installs itself on the phone. APK files typically don't install automatically, but hackers design them so that they install automatically upon opening a message attachment. This malware installs and gives the hacker control of the phone without the user even realizing it.

How does it harm?

Malware can steal banking details, card numbers, passwords, and autofill information saved on the phone.
Hackers can read OTPs, view typed passwords and PINs, or log in to accounts.
Money can be withdrawn from your account using information saved in UPI or banking apps.
Recurring charges can be levied by forcibly activating premium service subscriptions on your card.
Hackers can take complete control of your banking or payment accounts and lock you out.
Scammers can monitor your online activity and use new methods of phishing.
Most dangerously, fraudsters can even use your personal data or media to blackmail you.

How to Avoid Wedding Card Scams?
First, go to WhatsApp's Storage and Data settings and turn off Media Auto-download. This will prevent any attachments or files from downloading automatically.

Don't immediately trust messages from unknown numbers and don't try to open them.

If you receive an invitation from an unknown number from someone you know, call or message that person to confirm.

If the message shows an APK file, never download it. Genuine wedding cards usually come in the form of photos or videos.

Always install a reliable antivirus app, such as the M-Kavach 2 app, on your phone.

Always disable the option to install APK files from other sources on your phone.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. 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.