PEN OF DEMOCRACY
Yamunanagar Police Warns Against Cyber Fraud Through Fake Invitation APK Files
SP Kamaldeep Goyal urges residents to avoid suspicious wedding and birthday invitation apps that may expose banking details and personal information
Yamunanagar Superintendent of Police Kamaldeep Goyal has urged residents to remain alert against a cyber fraud tactic in which criminals send malicious APK files disguised as digital invitations for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, housewarming ceremonies and other social or religious events.
He warned that cybercriminals exploit people’s emotions and trust by circulating harmful applications through WhatsApp, SMS, Telegram, Facebook Messenger and other social media platforms. Once installed, these applications may allow unauthorised access to sensitive information stored on mobile phones, putting personal data and hard-earned money at risk.
Fake Invitation Files Used to Trap Victims
According to the SP, suspicious files may carry names such as “Wedding Invitation.apk”, “Birthday Invitation.apk” and “Marriage Card.apk”. Attractive accompanying messages can make them appear to be genuine invitations, encouraging recipients to download and install them.
However, such files may contain malware or spyware capable of compromising a device. Goyal cautioned residents not to treat an invitation file as safe merely because it appears to come from a familiar-looking account or carries a convincing message.
Banking Details and Personal Data at Risk
The SP explained that installing a malicious application may expose banking apps, UPI applications, OTPs, SMS messages, contact lists, photographs, videos, documents and other confidential information.
In some cases, criminals may use compromised information to carry out unauthorised financial transactions. They may also use a victim’s phone or contacts to circulate similar malicious files to friends and relatives, potentially expanding the fraud network.
CYBER SAFETY ALERT
Never install an invitation received as an APK file. Use trusted app stores and verify the sender before opening suspicious links or attachments.
Never Install Invitation Files in APK Format
Goyal advised residents never to download or install an APK file received from an unknown number or suspicious sender. If an invitation for a wedding, birthday or another event arrives as an “.apk” file, recipients should delete it rather than install it.
Digital invitations are commonly shared as PDF or image files, such as JPG and PNG, or through trusted website links. An APK file is an application installation package, not a standard invitation document.
Essential Cyber Safety Precautions
The SP urged citizens to download applications only through authorised platforms such as Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The “Install Apps from Unknown Sources” setting should remain disabled, and the sender’s identity should be verified before opening any suspicious link or file.
Residents were also advised never to share OTPs, mPINs, passwords, UPI PINs, CVVs or other confidential banking information with anyone. Keeping the mobile operating system and security updates current is another important precaution.
Report Cyber Fraud Immediately
Goyal said anyone who becomes a victim of cyber fraud, or receives a suspicious APK file, link or message, should act promptly instead of panicking.
Victims can contact the national cybercrime helpline at 1930, submit a complaint through the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in, or immediately inform the nearest police station or cybercrime police station.
Prompt reporting can improve the chances of having fraudulent transactions intercepted and funds recovered, although recovery cannot be guaranteed.
Public Awareness Is the Best Defence
Yamunanagar Police appealed to residents not to trust suspicious APK files, links or mobile applications without verification. The department emphasised that cyber safety is a shared responsibility and that a small act of caution can help prevent substantial financial losses.
Residents were encouraged to educate their family members, friends and acquaintances about fake digital invitations and other online fraud tactics.
NEWS NOTE
Never install an invitation received as an APK file. For cyber financial fraud, call 1930 immediately and report the incident through the official national cybercrime portal.
