WhatsApp Alert: Downloading Photos Can Put Your Data & Money at Risk- Check How?
As digital fraud continues to grow, scammers are using ever-more sophisticated methods to steal money and personal data. In India, a new and alarming WhatsApp image scam is making waves, putting users at risk of losing money and control of their devices with a single wrong click.
What is the WhatsApp Image Scam?
This scam revolves around steganography, a method where hackers embed malware within an innocent-looking image. Once the recipient downloads the image, the malware activates, allowing fraudsters to access sensitive information like bank details, passwords, UPI IDs, social media accounts, and OTPs.
What makes this scam particularly dangerous is that victims don’t receive any warnings like an OTP. Instead, they’re simply sent an image through WhatsApp from an unknown number. When opened, the virus silently takes over the device, giving the hackers access to everything stored on the phone.
Case Study: The Jabalpur Incident
In a recent case in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, a man lost Rs. 2 Lakh from his bank account after he downloaded a picture sent from an unknown number on WhatsApp. This incident highlights how this type of fraud is not only prevalent but also highly effective in stealing money and personal data.
Tips to Avoid the WhatsApp Image Scam
With increasing reports of this scam, authorities like Kerala Police are urging users to be extra cautious. Here are some practical steps you can take to stay safe:
Don’t open images from unknown numbers: Never download images, videos, or links from unfamiliar senders on WhatsApp, SMS, or other messaging platforms.
Disable auto-download: Turn off the auto-download setting in WhatsApp so that files are not automatically saved to your phone.
Keep your device updated: Regularly update your phone's software and use antivirus protection to safeguard your device.
Verify unknown contacts: Use apps like True caller to check if the number is legitimate before responding to messages or calls.
Report scams immediately: If you think you’ve been targeted, report the fraud to authorities right away by dialing 1930.
Mark suspicious numbers as spam: If you receive requests to download images or videos from unknown numbers, report them as spam to avoid further contact.
Cases of this WhatsApp image scam have been reported across various regions, with fraudsters often starting by sending messages from unknown numbers, followed by calls to convince victims to open the malicious image.
By staying vigilant and following these steps, you can reduce the risk of falling prey to this scam and keep your personal information safe from cybercriminals.