The Cyber Crime Police of the Ludhiana Commissionerate has sounded a high alert, cautioning citizens against a surge in deceptive New Year greeting links circulating on messaging platforms. In a video message released on Wednesday, authorities urgently advised the public to exercise extreme vigilance and avoid interacting with suspicious wishes and links received from unknown numbers, as these pose a severe risk of data theft and mobile hacking.
How Cyber Crooks Are Exploiting New Year Festivities
As the year 2026 approaches, the tradition of sharing greetings on WhatsApp and social media is being ruthlessly exploited by cyber fraudsters. The police highlighted that these criminals are actively targeting individuals by embedding malicious software within seemingly innocent New Year messages, pictures, and videos.
Inspector Satvir Singh, the Station House Officer (SHO) at the cyber crime police station, explained the modus operandi. "People enthusiastically share pictures and videos for New Year wishes on WhatsApp. Cyber criminals leverage this trend by sending random links that are actually hacking tools in disguise," he stated. Clicking on any such unverified link or file can trigger a data breach or grant fraudsters complete access to the victim's mobile device.
A Critical Warning About APK Files
The police video specifically instructed users to scrutinize the format of files received on WhatsApp. A major red flag is if the file is in the 'APK' (Android Package Kit) format. This type of file is designed to install applications on Android devices, but in the hands of fraudsters, it becomes a weapon.
A fraudulent APK file installs malware that performs a dual attack: it stealthily steals personal data and sensitive banking information from the infected phone. Simultaneously, it seizes control of the device. This control is so comprehensive that the victim often stops receiving crucial SMS alerts related to bank transactions, allowing thieves to operate undetected.
Trusted Contacts Are Not Always Safe
In a particularly alarming revelation, Inspector Singh added that these malicious links are not exclusively sent from unknown numbers. Compromised accounts can lead to people receiving dangerous links from their own trusted contacts, making the threat even more potent and deceptive. The police cited past incidents where victims who clicked on random links had their phones hacked, leading to unauthorized transfers of money from their bank accounts.
The overarching advice from the Ludhiana Cyber Crime Police is clear and non-negotiable: Do not click on random, unverified links or download unsolicited files, regardless of the sender. Celebrating the New Year should not come at the cost of your digital security and financial safety.
