Amidst rising concerns about cyber security, hackers have come up with a new tactic named 'WhatsApp Pink' in order to dupe people by leaking their information and even using their personal information for the greater con. Yes! you heard it right. People have been receiving anonymous messages on their WhatsApp saying to download a 'better & upgraded version' named- WhatsApp Pink. As per reports, the message, called ‘WhatsApp Pink states that WhatsApp's new official version with new features and a pink theme is now available for download. However, the link does change the colour of the application to pink. Now, Mumbai Police issued a red alert and cautioned the people of India y stating that ‘WhatsApp Pink’ is among those malicious apps which steal the data like OTPs, contacts, photos and banking details from the phone'.
Issuing an advisory, Mumbai Police in its tweet explained that 'New Pink Look WhatsApp with extra features' which is recently doing rounds among WhatsApp users is a hoax that can lead to hacking of your mobile through malicious software. It is not an uncommon instance to see fraudsters come up with a variety of new tricks and ways to lure gullible users into falling into their trap to commit cyber fraud. It is for the users to be Aware, Alert, and Attentive to these kinds of frauds and remain safe and secure in the digital world," stated the Mumbai Police in its advisory.
Read WhatsApp Pink full advisory
Raids at suspected hideouts of gangsters Landa, Rinda across Punjab
*... WHATSAPP PINK -A Red Alert For Android Users ...*'
— NORTH REGION CYBER POLICE CRIME WING (@north_mum) June 16, 2023
*... व्हॉट्सॲप पिंक Android वापरकर्त्यांसाठी रेड अलर्ट ...*
*...व्हाट्सएप गुलाबी (पिंक) Android उपयोगकर्ताओं के लिए एक रेड अलर्ट...*#CyberSafeMumbai
REGARDS,
NORTH REGION CYBER POLICE STATION,
CRIME BRANCH, CID, MUMBAI pic.twitter.com/viTbVrcWrn
It is pertinent to mention here that the WhatsApp Pink threat is not new in the world of cybercrime. As per reports, WhatsApp Pink scam was first exposed by internet security researcher Rajshekhar Rajaharia in April 2021. Now, for those who are wondering how to protect themselves from such scams, below is what you should do-
Download WhatsApp or any other social media-like messaging apps through Google Play Store. Notably, WhatsApp Pink Scam is mostly targeting Andriod users and not IOS users. Therefore if you are using an Android phone, True Scoop News advises you to download all the apps from Play Store rather than from any third party.