Nowadays, the methods of cyber fraud have become more shocking and dangerous than ever. A new and dangerous WhatsApp scam has surfaced, in which a simple photo sent from an unknown number can empty your bank account. With this news, a big surprise for WhatsApp users...

A new and extremely dangerous cyber scam has surfaced which can destroy your digital world with just one photo. In this scam, cyber criminals send a message on WhatsApp from an unknown number which contains a photo or image file. That photo looks simple, but a malicious code is hidden in it. As soon as you open that photo, this code is silently installed in your phone and the hacker gets remote access to your phone.

After this the hacker can keep an eye on everything on your smartphone -

• Your banking apps
• Camera and microphone
• Messages and OTP
• Even your location and password

How can your bank account become empty?

1. Access to OTP: Hacker can read your SMS and steal OTP for bank transactions.
2. Access to UPI and Net Banking: Transact directly through your apps and services.
3. Phishing Attack: Your sensitive information like Aadhaar, PAN, Password, Email etc. is stolen.
4. Money theft without your knowledge: All this happens so cleanly that you don’t even realize it and your bank balance vanishes.

5 important steps to avoid this scam:

1. Do not open photos or links received from unknown numbers.
2. Update WhatsApp settings: Under 'Who can send you media' select only 'My Contacts'.
3. Install a good antivirus on your phone.
4. Create different and strong passwords for banking apps, and change them regularly.
5. Turn off auto-downloads in the phone, especially for media files.

If you have accidentally opened a photo, do this immediately:

• Put the phone on airplane mode immediately.
• Logout from all banking apps and change passwords.
• Call the bank immediately and get the account held.
• Complain by visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in or call helpline 1930.

PC:Punjab Kesari