A fake RTO challan message is rapidly going viral on WhatsApp, in which cyber fraudsters have sent dangerous APK files. Downloading it installs malware on the phone, allowing hackers to access SMS, bank details, and personal data. Experts advise checking challans only on government sites.
WhatsApp Safety Alert: Recently, a fake message for paying RTO challans is rapidly spreading on WhatsApp. This message comes with an APK file sent from an unknown number, and downloading it immediately installs malware on the phone. This can allow hackers to access SMS, bank details, and personal information. Against this ploy by cyber fraudsters, experts have advised users to check challans only on government websites like Parivahan.gov.in or the state's RTO site.
RTO Challan Message Viral on WhatsApp
Recently, a message for paying RTO challans is rapidly spreading on WhatsApp, which includes a link or an APK file. This message is not authentic but has been crafted by cyber fraudsters. As soon as a user clicks or downloads it, their phone becomes infected with malware. Through this, hackers gain access to SMS, bank details, passwords, and other personal information. Cyble Rail has described this as a dangerous virus that can monitor every activity on the phone via remote access.
How This Trap Is Spreading
Fraudsters often send files from unknown numbers under the guise of an RTO challan. Users, mistaking it for genuine, download it, and at that very moment, a virus gets installed on the phone. Subsequently, hackers gain complete control of the phone. In recent cases, incidents of people's bank accounts being emptied have come to light.
Safety Measures and Precautions
Users are advised not to click on any unknown links or APK files. Check challans only by visiting government websites like Parivahan.gov.in or the state's RTO site. Keep "Unknown Sources" disabled in phone settings to prevent any app from installing without permission. Trusting every message received on WhatsApp is no longer safe.
Messages spreading on WhatsApp in the name of RTO challans pose a serious threat to cybersecurity. Caution and obtaining information only from government sources have now become mandatory.
