india Beware of Wedding Invitation Scams!

[Priyanka Sharma]

Hi TrueTalks Community,

With the wedding season in full swing, the wedding invitation scam is becoming a growing concern in India. Scammers are targeting people through seemingly innocent e-invites. Here’s what you need to know about this scam, how it operates, and ways to safeguard yourself.

 

How Does It Work?
Scammers send wedding invitations via WhatsApp, often as APK files (a type of app file). If you download and open the file, it installs harmful software (malware) on your phone. 

Once installed, the malware allows hackers to send messages using your phone, steal your personal information, and even blackmail you without your knowledge!

 

How to Spot a Wedding Invitation Scam

• Be suspicious of invitations from strangers or people you haven’t spoken to in a long time.
• Check the email address or phone number carefully. Scammers often make small changes to real IDs to trick you.
• Don’t click on links if they look strange or unrelated to weddings.
• Avoid messages that push you to download files.

How to Stay Safe

• Verify the Invite: Contact the sender directly to confirm if the invitation is real.
• Use Protection Software: Install antivirus or anti-malware apps on your phone.
• Don’t Click Unknown Links: Only open links and files from people you trust.
• Search Numbers with Truecaller: Use Truecaller to verify if the sender’s number is authentic.

What to Do If You’re Targeted

• If you suspect malware, turn off your internet connection immediately.
• Use an antivirus app to find and remove any malware.
• File a complaint on India’s cybercrime portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or visit your local police station. You can also report cyber fraud by dialing 1930, a national helpline for cybercrime.

Stay alert and share this information with friends and family to help keep everyone safe. A little caution can save you a lot of trouble!