Mumbai Police warns citizens to avoid clicking links on receiving shocking messages from unknown numbers

These days it is trending that people are receiving sextortion messages from unknown numbers which purportedly contain links to videos that are being sent out by cyber criminals to cheat citizens. A couple of complaints have been received by the State Cyber Cell regarding the scam. They typically come with Android Package Kit (.apk) files attached.

As per cyber experts, once the link is clicked, the criminals get an easy access to the mobile phone’s data which allows them to commit fraud using bank details.

An official from the Mumbai cyber police said, “One gets scared after reading such messages and immediately clicks links. But people should be aware that once we click them, criminals can access our mobile phones.

They can get into our photo galleries and also learn our banking details. The cyber police across Maharashtra have hardly received any such complaints.

Recently we received information about the trend and citizens receiving messages. In many such cases, citizens first approach the police station to complain. We should never click any links sent by unknown persons.”

Advocate Dr Prashant Mali, a cyber expert, said, “Never download any .apk file onto your Android phone or click a link that causes it to be downloaded.

These files are not verified and authenticated by Google and they are used to commit cyber fraud, including mobile device takeover. Factory resetting your phone once a year or quarter is always a good idea,” he added.

According to sources from cyber police, the scam is being done by a gang that operates from remote areas of Rajasthan.

Police sources said creating awareness about criminals accessing phones is important. “Sextortion has caused some victims to take their lives. Every citizen should beware and take precautionary measures before clicking any link, sharing OTPs or chatting or talking to unknown persons,” said a cyber police official.