The central government has blocked the Wingo app after uncovering a large-scale SMS fraud racket targeting mobile users. According to officials, the app was using users' phones to carry out widespread message-based cybercrimes. This action was taken by the Union Home Ministry and its anti-cybercrime agency, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C).

Users Unknowingly Became Victims
Surprisingly, the Wingo app was listed on the Google Play Store as a "multiplayer game." People downloaded it thinking it was an entertainment app where multiple people could play live games together. But a very dangerous scheme was operating under the guise of this game. The government received a large number of complaints against this app, after which its nefarious activities were exposed.

'Telecom Mule' Was Being Used
In cybersecurity terminology, Wingo has been described as a "Telecom Mule as a Service" app. In simple terms, this app lured people with the promise of money for completing small tasks. As soon as a user downloaded it, the app would take control of the user's phone and start sending fraudulent SMS messages to others from the user's number in the background.

This means that the criminals were using the user's phone like a 'postman'. The fraudulent messages were being sent from the user's number, which could make them appear as the culprits in police investigations, even though they were unaware of what was happening with their phones.

The Fraud Network Spread to Millions
The figures revealed by the I4C investigation are shocking. According to the report:
Approximately 15.3 million people were being sent fraudulent SMS messages every day through this network.
About 153,000 people had become part of this app, lured by the promise of small earnings, and were unknowingly assisting in the crime. The government has not only blocked the app but has also shut down more than 50 YouTube videos promoting it and four Telegram channels with 1.53 lakh members.

Government takes strong action
Considering the seriousness of the matter, the Ministry of Home Affairs and I4C have geo-blocked the app's command and control center, rendering it inoperable in India. Experts advise caution when downloading apps from the Play Store and recommend staying away from apps that promise to pay you for sending SMS messages or using your phone's hardware.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. 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.