A popular social media trend that uses AI to turn photographs and videos into an 1980s-style look is being exploited by cybercriminals in Amroha. Three people have reported being targeted after clicking links sent from unknown numbers, with money withdrawn in one case.
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How Are Fraudsters Using the ‘80s Nostalgia’ Trend?
The AI-powered “80s nostalgia” photo and video trend has become popular on social media, with users transforming their pictures into an older visual style.
Cybercriminals are now allegedly using interest in the trend to lure people. Links are being sent from unknown numbers with claims that users can create similar photographs or videos by clicking them.
Once a person clicks such a link, the mobile phone can be compromised, creating an opportunity for fraud.
Read More: https://the420.in/ai-retro-photo-trend-apk-cyber-fraud-alert/
What Happened to the First Victim?
Mohammad Danish, a resident of Qureshi locality in Amroha, received a link on WhatsApp from an unknown number.
The message claimed that clicking the link would allow him to create photos and videos in the popular 1980s style.
After Danish opened the link, control of his mobile phone allegedly went into the hands of the fraudsters. They then withdrew ₹16,000 from his bank account linked to the phone.
Danish disconnected his mobile phone from the internet after realising what had happened.
How Were Two Other People Targeted?
Two other residents were targeted in a similar manner.
Manoj Kumar, a resident of Mohalla Jayom Nagar, and Arshad, a resident of Danishmandan, received links on their mobile phones and were allegedly targeted for fraud.
However, their bank accounts were not linked to their mobile phones, and their money remained safe.
All three victims reported the incidents through the cyber helpline number 1930.
The incidents show how fraudsters are attempting to exploit popular internet trends to make malicious links appear attractive and relevant to users. Instead of relying only on traditional fraud messages, criminals are using subjects already attracting attention on social media as bait.
Why Can Trending Links Be Dangerous?
A viral trend can make an unexpected message appear less suspicious because the content is already familiar to the recipient.
Cybercriminals can take advantage of this curiosity by sending links that claim to provide access to a popular tool, effect or online service.
The Amroha incidents show why the popularity of a trend should not be treated as proof that a link connected to it is genuine.
What Should Users Do Before Trying an Online Trend?
Users should avoid opening links sent from unknown numbers merely because they promise access to a popular social media trend.
Instead, people should use the trusted website or application connected with the trend. A familiar theme or viral feature does not make an unknown link safe.
If a suspicious link has already been opened, users should disconnect the phone from the internet and report the incident through cyber helpline number 1930.
The420 Cyber Takeaway: “Fraudsters Are Turning Viral Curiosity Into a Click Trap”
The Amroha cases highlight a changing fraud tactic in which cybercriminals use whatever is currently popular online to make suspicious links appear convincing. The danger is not necessarily the nostalgia trend itself, but an unknown link sent in its name. Treating viral trends and unsolicited links as two separate things can help users avoid falling for such traps.
About the author — Ayesha Aayat writes on cybercrime, digital safety, and emerging online threats. Her work focuses on public awareness, legal clarity, and technology-driven risks.
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