Beware! Downloading WhatsApp Photos Can Allow Hackers To Steal Your Data And Money

Digital fraud is on the rise worldwide, causing major financial losses for individuals. With the development of technology, fraudsters are duping consumers out of more money than ever before, through various modes like emails, texts, social media and phone calls. In India, a new WhatsApp image scam is currently on the rise that can steal your data, bank account details and passwords and even take control of your device, with just one wrong click.

In a recent incident, a man belonging to Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, lost around Rs. 2 Lakh from his bank account after downloading a picture sent from an unknown number on his WhatsApp.

What is WhatsApp Image Scam?

Steganography, a technique used by hackers to implant malware within photographs, is the core of this new fraud. When the recipient downloads the image, the virus activates and fraudsters gain control of the device, apps and other personal details, including UPI ID and passwords, Bank account details, social media handles, OTPs and other sensitive information.

Unlike other frauds, during Steganography, victims receive no OTP warning or alarm, but just a simple WhatsApp image.

This new method of hacking is causing significant concern among WhatsApp users as it makes it much more difficult to track down these scammers.

WhatsApp Photo Scam: How To Stay Safe

Looking at the rising cases of Digital scams, Kerala Police have warned users that simply opening a photo received from an unknown number on WhatsApp could result in their phone being hacked.

Therefore, the best way to avoid these scams is to NOT download any photo, video or click on any link received from an unknown number on WhatsApp, normal SMS or any other platform.

Users are advised to turn off media auto-download in WhatsApp settings.

Keep your phone’s software and antivirus up to date.

In case of any mishap, users are advised to immediately report the cyber fraud by dialling 1930

Always check if the number belongs to an authentic person via apps like Truecaller.

If you receive a call from an unknown number requesting that you download photographs or videos, enter the phone number in the spam or report section.

Cases of such scams have emerged from several regions of the country, indicating a growing trend of image-based fraud via WhatsApp. These scams frequently start with a message from an unknown number, followed by calls to trick the user into viewing the infected image.