Lately, WhatsApp has apparently become a hotbed of all kinds of fake news and scams, with hundreds of users falling prey to fraudulent messages and links shared on the messaging application. One of the most popular messaging applications in the country with millions of active users, WhatsApp has become an easy target for scammers, with fake messages going viral from time to time. In a recent incident, a fake message giving a link to download ‘Pink WhatsApp’ is going viral. This message is offering a free application to help users to change their WhatsApp look with new features.
However, Mumbai Police has issued a strict warning against downloading or using fake apps. The cyber security department of Mumbai Police has also warned people about frauds linked to messaging platforms and urged them to avoid any such messages and links.
Mumbai Police warns against ‘Pink WhatsApp’
Mumbai Police in its recent public advisory has warned about a viral message asking users to download a new version of WhatsApp called ‘Pink WhatsApp’, reports Free Press Journal.
Noting that a message of “new pink look WhatsApp with additional features” is currently doing the rounds, the department called it a “hoax”, adding that people’s mobiles can be hacked through malicious software. Could
“It is not an uncommon instance that fraudsters adopt various innovative tricks and methods to lure the gullible users into their nets to commit cyber frauds. It is up to the users to be aware of such frauds Be alert and attentive. Avoid fraud and stay safe in the digital world.”
About the ‘Pink WhatsApp’ scam
Users are given a link to download the pink version of WhatsApp, with claims that the update will help them change the logo color and activate new features. However, once the phishing link is downloaded, it may result in users losing control of their device and their personal data such as pictures, passwords, OTPs and contacts, and these details may be exposed to fraudsters.
How to stay safe from Pink WhatsApp scam?
According to the police, users need to avoid any kind of fake messages or links offering to download Pink WhatsApp. If anyone has already installed the app, they must uninstall it immediately and also refrain from sharing or forwarding the link or messages to others.