If you receive a traffic challan message on WhatsApp, don't click on it and be cautious. It may not be a challenge at all, but a trap set by fraudsters. Such messages contain a link. If that link is downloaded to your phone, hackers can remotely control your phone. They can then easily steal your bank details, personal information, and financial data. Let's explore the details of the entire matter.

What is the matter?
According to a Times of India report, police officials say that a file named "RTO Traffic Challan.apk" is going viral on WhatsApp. Cyber ​​Rail says it is a dangerous malware app that gives remote access to anyone's phone to cyber criminals. According to the report, 10 complaints have been filed regarding this fraud in the past week. It's worth noting that recently, cases of fraud involving people's phones being hacked using wedding card messages have been reported. This is a modified version of the same.

How is the fraud committed?
To commit this type of fraud on WhatsApp, fraudsters first send messages to unknown people. This message contains an APK file named "RTO Traffic Challan.apk."

The user, thinking it's a copy of the challan, downloads and installs it.

A malware disguised as an app is installed on the user's phone. This grants permissions such as SMS, contacts, storage, and accessibility to the fraudsters sitting remotely.

Following this, the fraudsters are able to remotely access the user's phone and gain control of it. They can then easily monitor every activity on the phone.

They can then steal your bank details, UPI credentials, OTPs, and personal information at will.

How to avoid this?
If you want to avoid this type of online fraud, it's important to keep a few things in mind.

Never download APK files via WhatsApp, SMS, or from any unknown source. To be safe, it's best to download apps only from the Google Play Store.

If you need to check your challan, check it on the official portals associated with it, such as Parivahan or the state's RTO website.

Disable Unknown Sources in your phone's settings to prevent any APKs from accidentally installing on your phone. Please note that if an APK is downloaded or installed while Unknown Sources is disabled, the user will see a warning message.

Always keep your phone's operating system and all apps updated.
Immediately report any suspicious messages or links. You can call the 1930 cybercrime helpline or file a report at cybercrime.gov.in.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Navbharat Times. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.