New Delhi | What is usually a season of joy and celebration is now being exploited by cybercriminals as a new tool for fraud. Amid the growing trend of digital invitations, a new cyber scam has emerged in which fraudsters are using wedding e-invites to siphon off money from unsuspecting victims’ bank accounts. The alert was recently flagged by the Future Crime Research Foundation, which has warned users to stay cautious against this evolving cyber threat.
According to findings and alerts, cybercriminals are circulating digital wedding cards via WhatsApp and other messaging platforms. These invitations appear genuine at first glance, often designed attractively to resemble legitimate e-cards. However, they contain malicious .apk files or suspicious links. The moment a user downloads or opens such a file, their mobile device can be compromised, giving attackers access to sensitive personal and financial data.
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The modus operandi of these fraudsters relies heavily on deception. They craft invitations that look authentic and sometimes even include familiar names or culturally relevant messages to build trust. This increases the chances of victims clicking on the link without hesitation. Once the file is installed, it acts as malware, silently infiltrating the device and gaining access to messages, banking apps, OTPs, and passwords.
Experts describe this as a new form of “social engineering,” where human emotions such as trust, relationships, and celebration are exploited. Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh explains, “Cybercriminals today are not just using technology but also targeting human psychology. By leveraging occasions like weddings, they lower the victim’s guard, making it easier to breach digital security.”
One of the most alarming aspects of this scam is its stealth. Victims often do not notice anything unusual initially, as their phones continue to function normally. Meanwhile, in the background, data theft is actively taking place. In several cases, fraudsters have successfully transferred money from victims’ bank accounts or carried out unauthorized transactions using stolen credentials.
The Future Crime Research Foundation has advised users to avoid opening digital invitations received from unknown numbers or email IDs without verification. Special caution is urged against downloading .apk files, as these can directly install harmful applications on devices. Users are also advised to verify any link before clicking on it.
In case of falling victim to such fraud, immediate action is crucial. Authorities recommend contacting the cyber helpline at 1930, reporting the incident on the official portal cybercrime.gov.in, and reaching out to the nearest cyber police station. Prompt reporting can significantly reduce financial loss and improve the chances of fund recovery.
Technology experts emphasize that as digital adoption increases, awareness about cyber safety must also grow. Users should download applications only from trusted sources and remain vigilant against any suspicious activity on their devices.
This incident once again highlights how cybercriminals are constantly innovating new methods to target individuals. Even something as harmless as a wedding invitation can now pose a serious risk. In today’s digital landscape, caution before every click has become more important than ever.
