Amid a sharp rise in cyber fraud across the country, Yamunanagar Superintendent of Police (SP) Kamaldeep Goyal has issued a special cyber security advisory, urging residents to remain vigilant against a dangerous Android malware known as ‘Bingo-Mod’. The advisory aims to create public awareness about the latest techniques being used by cyber criminals to gain unauthorized access to mobile phones and bank accounts.

Addressing the growing threat of digital fraud, the SP said cyber criminals are constantly adopting sophisticated methods to target unsuspecting users. With increasing dependence on smartphones for banking, digital payments and online transactions, users must exercise caution before clicking on any unknown links or downloading applications from unverified sources.

According to the advisory, fraudsters often send fake links through SMS, WhatsApp, emails and social media platforms, disguising them as official notifications, bank messages or attractive offers. Once a user clicks on these links, malicious software may be installed on the device without the user’s knowledge.

SP Kamaldeep Goyal explained that the recently identified Bingo-Mod malware is an advanced Remote Access Trojan (RAT) designed to secretly take control of infected Android devices. Once installed, the malware can allow cyber criminals to remotely operate the phone and gain access to confidential financial information.

Cyber security experts have warned that the malware is capable of recording the device’s screen, capturing screenshots and executing various commands remotely. Through these capabilities, fraudsters may obtain sensitive information such as internet banking credentials, passwords, UPI details and other financial data, enabling them to carry out unauthorized transactions and cause significant financial losses.

The SP further cautioned that in certain cases the malware may even attempt to erase evidence of its presence by deleting itself or initiating a factory reset of the infected device. Such actions can delay the victim’s realization that their phone has been compromised, making recovery of stolen funds more difficult.

To protect themselves from cyber threats, the district police have advised citizens to follow a few essential safety measures. People should never click on unknown or suspicious links received through messages or social media platforms. Mobile applications should be downloaded only from official and trusted app stores, while avoiding APK files or software obtained from unofficial websites.

The advisory also recommends keeping smartphones updated with the latest security patches and installing reliable antivirus software to strengthen protection against malware attacks.

SP Goyal strongly advised the public never to share confidential banking information, including OTPs, UPI PINs, passwords, debit or credit card details and internet banking credentials, with anyone under any circumstances. Banks and government agencies never ask customers to disclose such sensitive information over phone calls, messages or emails.

He also urged citizens to remain alert for any unusual activity in their bank accounts or mobile devices. In case of suspicious transactions or possible cyber fraud, victims should immediately inform their respective banks and report the incident without delay.

“If anyone becomes a victim of cyber fraud, they should immediately call the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or lodge a complaint at the nearest police station or cyber police station. Prompt reporting significantly increases the chances of freezing fraudulent transactions and recovering the stolen money,” the SP said.

Kamaldeep Goyal added that the Yamunanagar Police is continuously taking strict action against cyber criminals while also conducting regular awareness campaigns to educate the public about emerging online threats.

He stressed that awareness, vigilance and responsible digital behaviour remain the strongest defence against cyber crime, urging every citizen to verify links before clicking, safeguard personal information and stay informed about evolving cyber security risks.

POD/DESK