Have you got any message in recent times on your whatsapp that says, “New Pink WhatsApp Officially Launched with Extra Features – A Must-Try” or may be “New Pink Look WhatsApp with extra features.” If your answer is yes, then you may be a potential victim of cyber fraud. A network of scammers is sending such messages to random users, enticing them to download a malicious app. As soon as the app is downloaded, the scammers hack your phone and they have easy access to all your personal data. The police have issued warnings to the general public not to entertain such messages and fall prey to the false claims. The scam called WhatsApp Pink is circulating across the social media platform spanning states, including Maharashtra, Kerala and Karnataka. The North region cyberpolice crime wing tweeted a cautionary message stating, “WHATSAPP PINK – A Red Alert For Android Users.” Additionally, the government’s cybersecurity agencies have released advisories in response to the rising number of Pink WhatsApp scam cases. Notably, the scam is presently posing threat only to Android phone users as the Apple ecosystem doesn’t allow malware infiltration.
To make matters worse, messages asking to download Pink WhatsApp can be received from a friend or contact whose phone has been hacked. The moment you download the app, a message to download the same will be sent to all your contacts, appearing to be from your name, without your knowledge. It is an easy way to deceive users as they generally tend to believe and accept something that comes from a known person.
Cybersecurity agencies, along with law enforcement authorities, have also issued warnings to users regarding the potential exploitation of personal photos stored in their phone’s gallery by hackers. These malicious actors may resort to blackmailing individuals or misuse these photos for nefarious purposes. It is crucial to protect your personal data by employing strong security measures, regularly updating your devices, and avoiding sharing sensitive images or information with unknown or untrusted sources.
If you have already downloaded the Pink WhatsApp app, delete the app from your device without delay. Following this, it is advisable to back up your phone’s data and consider performing a factory reset or formatting your device. However, note that performing a factory reset will erase all data on your device, so it is crucial to have a backup of your important files before proceeding.
Also ensure that you download the WhatsApp app or any updates exclusively from the Google Play Store. Refrain from downloading any version of WhatsApp from third-party app stores or using APK files, regardless of the enticing extra features they may promise.
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