Beware of WhatsApp Wedding Scams: How a Simple Invitation Could Drain Your Bank Account

WhatsApp Wedding Scams

As India’s wedding season unfolds with an estimated 3.5 million weddings in November and December 2024, scammers are taking advantage of the festivities. A worrying new scam involves sending fake invitations designed to steal personal and financial information. Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe.

What Is the Wedding Invitation Scam?

Scammers are exploiting digital wedding invitations by sending malicious APK files disguised as wedding invites through WhatsApp. These files may appear harmless, but when downloaded, they can infect your device with malware, granting scammers access to sensitive data.

How It Works:

Fake Invitations: The scammer sends a wedding invitation in the form of an APK file (Android application package) via WhatsApp.

Malware Installation: Once the recipient downloads and installs the file, the malware gains access to their device.

Data Theft: Scammers can extract personal information, including:

• Banking app credentials
• OTPs
• Messages and contacts

This scam mirrors tactics used in other fraudulent schemes, such as fake loan offers or lottery messages, designed to trick victims into downloading harmful files.

Authorities’ Warning

The Himachal Pradesh Police have issued a warning about this growing scam, advising users to avoid downloading files from untrusted sources. They highlighted the risks associated with APK files, which are commonly used to distribute malware on Android devices.

Recommended Security Measures:

• Keep your device updated with the latest software and security patches.
• Enable two-factor authentication on banking apps and other critical accounts.

How to Protect Yourself 1. Be Wary of File Types

• Genuine wedding invitations are typically sent as PDFs, images, or videos, not APK files.
• Check the file type before downloading or opening any attachment.

2. Stick to Trusted Sources

• Verify the sender’s identity. If the message comes from an unknown number, exercise caution.
• If unsure, contact the person directly to confirm the authenticity of the invitation.

3. Disable App Installations from Unknown Sources

• Ensure that your Android device does not allow app installations from untrusted sources.
• To disable this:
  • Go to Settings > Security > Unknown Sources and keep it turned off.

4. Keep Your Phone Updated

• Install the latest security updates on your smartphone to minimize vulnerabilities.

5. Use Antivirus Software

• Install a reliable antivirus or anti-malware app on your device for added protection.

How to Identify a Fake Wedding Invitation

Suspicious File Type: Invitations in APK format are a red flag.

Generic Messaging: Scams often use generic greetings like “Dear Friend” instead of addressing you by name.

Urgency or Incentives: Messages urging you to act quickly or offering a gift for downloading the invitation are likely scams.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

• Do Not Open or Download: Delete the message immediately without opening the file.
• Report the Number: Use WhatsApp’s reporting feature to flag the sender.
• Run a Malware Scan: If you’ve accidentally downloaded a file, run an antivirus scan and contact your bank to secure your accounts.