WhattsappCyber criminals are now using fake digital wedding invitations to target unsuspecting victims. In a recent case from Hingoli district of Maharashtra, a government employee lost nearly ₹2 lakh after downloading what looked like a wedding card on WhatsApp.
The incident shows how fraudsters are constantly inventing new methods to drain people’s bank accounts. Even without clicking suspicious links or sharing OTPs, downloading the wrong file can be enough for scammers to take control of your phone.
How the Employee Was Tricked
According to reports, the victim received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number inviting him to a wedding on 30 August 2025. The message looked genuine, with a polite greeting and a file attached that resembled a PDF wedding card.
But the file was not a PDF. It was actually an APK file, designed to install a malicious application on the victim’s phone. Once downloaded, the file gave hackers access to his device. Within minutes, about ₹1.9 lakh was withdrawn from his bank account.
Police Register Case
The victim approached the Hingoli Police Station after discovering the fraud. Cyber Cell officials confirmed that a case has been registered against an unknown person. Investigations are underway to trace the culprits and recover the stolen amount.
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Warnings Against APK Files
Cyber experts warn that APK files are dangerous if received from unknown sources. Unlike PDFs or images, APKs can install apps that secretly collect sensitive data such as banking details, passwords, and OTPs. Police have urged people to never download files from unfamiliar contacts and to verify suspicious messages before taking action.
Rising Cybercrime Cases
This case is not an isolated incident. Earlier, Maharashtra Police had busted a gang in Thane that cheated job seekers by collecting their banking and SIM card details. Such cases highlight the growing need for public awareness about digital safety.
As cyber frauds grow more sophisticated, experts ask: are users being cautious enough while handling online messages?