The Indian government has issued a critical public advisory, flagging two sophisticated online scams that are currently targeting citizens across the country. The warning comes from the National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The WhatsApp Web Account Renting Scam: How It Works
Authorities have identified a new transnational crime trend involving deceptive advertisements on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. These ads lure users with promises of "automatic cash earnings" simply by linking their WhatsApp accounts to a specified platform. Clicking on these ads redirects victims to fraudulent websites or Android application packages (.apk files) that mimic legitimate earning platforms.
Enticed by offers of high commissions and passive income, users are instructed to connect their WhatsApp accounts via QR codes. This process is a trap that exploits WhatsApp's linked device feature. Once connected, the user's account is effectively rented out as a "mule WhatsApp account." These compromised accounts are then used by cybercriminals for illegal activities, including conducting further frauds, running scams, or spreading malicious content, all while shielding the real perpetrators.
Investment Scams on Matrimonial and Dating Platforms
In a parallel scheme, the I4C has noted a significant rise in the misuse of matrimonial and dating websites to execute investment scams. Analysis of complaints on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) reveals that fraudsters are creating fake profiles on popular platforms like Jeevansaathi.com, Shaadi.com, Matrimony.com, Tinder, Bumble, and OkCupid.
These criminals pose as potential partners to build emotional connections with individuals genuinely seeking relationships or marriage. After gaining trust, they pivot to financially exploiting their victims by promoting fake investment opportunities that promise unrealistically high returns in a very short time.
Essential Safety Measures to Avoid Becoming a Victim
The MHA advisory provides clear, actionable steps for citizens to protect themselves from these evolving threats.
To avoid the WhatsApp scam:
- Understand that renting out your WhatsApp account or receiving illicit funds can lead to serious legal consequences, including arrest.
- Avoid installing APK files from unknown or untrusted sources.
- Be highly skeptical of Meta Ads (on Facebook/Instagram) that guarantee quick money, referral commissions, or automatic earnings, especially those related to stock market investments.
- Regularly check your WhatsApp linked devices settings to remove any suspicious or unrecognized connections.
To stay safe on matrimonial and dating sites:
- Verify the person's identity rigorously. Conduct background checks and use reverse image search tools on their profile pictures to check if they are stolen from the internet.
- Protect your personal information. Never share private details, sensitive photos, or financial information with someone you have not met in person.
- Invest only after thorough verification. Do not transfer money to online contacts. If an investment scheme sounds too good to be true, offering huge returns in an implausibly short time, it is almost certainly a scam.
The government's proactive advisory underscores the need for heightened digital vigilance as scammers continually refine their methods to exploit popular platforms and human emotions.
