Yamunanagar Police issues a cyber safety advisory warning citizens against QR code scams and fraudulent digital payment requests.
Superintendent of Police Kamaldeep Goyal urges residents to avoid suspicious festive messages, APK files and unknown links; advises disabling WhatsApp media auto-download
YAMUNANAGAR | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
With the festival of Raksha Bandhan approaching, cyber criminals are increasingly using festive greetings, attractive offers and seemingly harmless WhatsApp messages to target unsuspecting users. Yamunanagar Police have issued a special cyber safety advisory, warning residents that fake greeting messages containing suspicious links, files and APK applications can be used to steal personal and financial information.
Police spokesperson said that cyber criminals often exploit popular festivals and occasions when people exchange a large number of messages. Raksha Bandhan greetings, gift offers, discount messages and other attractive content can be used as a cover to distribute malicious links or files.
Superintendent of Police Kamaldeep Goyal has appealed to residents to remain particularly cautious while receiving messages on WhatsApp during the festive period. He advised people not to open unknown links or download files merely because they appear to contain greetings, gifts or special offers.
The SP specifically advised WhatsApp users to keep the media auto-download feature disabled or appropriately restricted as an additional security measure. Users can review this feature through WhatsApp settings by going to Storage and Data and then checking the media auto-download options. Under mobile data, Wi-Fi and roaming settings, users can remove the selections for photographs, audio, videos and documents according to their requirements.
This precaution can prevent files from being automatically downloaded to a device without the user consciously choosing to receive them. Police said users should nevertheless remain alert because disabling auto-download alone cannot prevent every type of cyber fraud.
According to the police advisory, cyber criminals may send messages containing attractive offers, prize notifications, employment opportunities, banking updates or urgent information. Such messages can appear genuine and may even use names or logos associated with banks, financial institutions or other organisations.
Residents have therefore been advised not to open messages, links or files received from unknown numbers without first verifying their authenticity. Particular caution should be exercised regarding APK files, which should never be downloaded or installed from an unknown or unverified source.
Police have warned that an APK file received through WhatsApp or another messaging platform could potentially install an unwanted or malicious application on a mobile phone. Users should not assume that a file is safe simply because it has been sent by someone they know, particularly if the sender’s account may itself have been compromised.
The police advisory further states that if a message claims to have been sent by a bank, government department, company or other institution, users should not click on the link provided in the message. Instead, they should independently access the organisation’s official website, application or customer service channel and verify whether the message is genuine.
The Superintendent of Police also urged residents to keep their mobile phones and WhatsApp applications updated. Regular software updates can help ensure that devices receive important security improvements. Users should also employ strong screen locks and make use of available security features on their smartphones.
Another important precaution is protecting confidential information. Police have advised citizens never to share one-time passwords, passwords, banking credentials, ATM details, card information or other sensitive financial information with anyone over a phone call, message or social media platform.
Residents should also be cautious if someone claims to represent a bank, government department or private organisation and asks for confidential information. The identity and purpose of such a person should be independently verified before any information is provided.
The police advisory particularly cautions residents against festive scams involving gifts, rewards and special offers. Cyber criminals may claim that the recipient has won a prize or is eligible for a special Raksha Bandhan gift and then ask the person to click a link, pay a small processing fee or provide personal information.
Police have urged people not to make hurried decisions simply because a message creates a sense of urgency or promises a financial benefit. Residents should verify the sender, examine the message carefully and independently confirm any claim before taking action.
The police have also explained what residents should do if they accidentally click a suspicious link or download a questionable file. They should not panic but should immediately inform a trusted family member or seek appropriate assistance. In case of suspected cyber fraud or financial loss, they should promptly report the matter through the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or the official cybercrime reporting system.
Police emphasised that early reporting can improve the possibility of taking timely action and may help limit financial losses in certain cases. Victims should preserve relevant evidence such as screenshots, messages, phone numbers, transaction details and other digital information rather than deleting them.
The police have also stressed that cyber security is a shared responsibility. As digital communication becomes an increasingly important part of daily life, people must develop the habit of verifying information before clicking, downloading or sharing.
The Raksha Bandhan advisory is particularly relevant because festive occasions often result in a significant increase in greeting messages and digital interactions. A message that appears to be an ordinary festival greeting may contain an unsafe link or file. Therefore, residents should not automatically trust messages merely because they contain familiar festival-related wording.
Police have advised users to be especially careful with messages offering gifts, prizes, discounts, employment opportunities, banking updates or urgent account-related information. Such claims should always be independently verified through official channels.
The police also urged parents to make children and elderly family members aware of such risks, as cyber criminals may specifically target users who are less familiar with digital security practices. Basic precautions such as not sharing OTPs, avoiding unknown links and checking the source of messages can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
Key Safety Measures for WhatsApp Users:
Do not click on unknown or suspicious links.
Do not download or open suspicious APK files or other unknown attachments.
Review and control WhatsApp media auto-download settings.
Never share OTPs, passwords, banking credentials or card details.
Keep the mobile phone and WhatsApp application updated.
Use a strong screen lock and available device security features.
Do not provide personal or financial information in exchange for gifts, prizes or attractive offers.
Verify messages claiming to come from banks or institutions through their official communication channels.
The Superintendent of Police urged residents to remain calm and alert if they encounter suspicious digital activity. He said cyber criminals rely heavily on urgency, curiosity and attractive promises to make people act without verification.
Police reiterated that awareness and caution remain the strongest defence against cyber fraud. Residents should pause before clicking, verify the source and avoid downloading unknown files.
The Yamunanagar Police have appealed to citizens to celebrate Raksha Bandhan safely while remaining vigilant in the digital space. A few seconds spent verifying a message can prevent significant financial loss, misuse of personal information and prolonged cyber harassment.
The police advisory ultimately carries a simple message for residents: do not trust every festive greeting, gift message, offer or link that arrives on WhatsApp. Check first, act later. With basic digital precautions and timely reporting, citizens can significantly reduce their exposure to cyber fraud during Raksha Bandhan and beyond.
