Amidst the discussions regarding the 8th Pay Commission, a new cyber fraud has come to light, which is especially targeting central government employees and pensioners. Taking advantage of speculations about possible salary revision, fraudsters are sending fake messages on WhatsApp and duping people through download links. In this regard, Cyber Dost, which is the cyber awareness unit of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has issued an advisory asking people to be alert.
What is ‘Salary Calculator’ Scam?
The fraudsters claim to provide estimates of new salaries under the so-called 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). Lakhs of employees and pensioners are waiting for information about salary revision, and cyber criminals are using this curiosity as lure.
This is how the whole game works
According to cyber officials, this fraud is being carried out in a fixed manner. By sending a message on WhatsApp it is said that you can check your new salary under the 8th Pay Commission. An APK file is attached to the message, whose name is something like “8th CPC Salary Calculator” or “Salary Revision Tool”. The file looks genuine and trustworthy, so that people do not doubt.
As soon as the user downloads and installs this file, this app gives remote access to the phone. After this, fraudsters can steal personal and sensitive data. Can access bank details. Can read SMS and OTP. You can transact money without your knowledge
Account empty after installation
In many cases, money has gone missing from people’s bank accounts after downloading fake apps. Cyber agencies have made it clear that the Government of India never sends APK files through WhatsApp or any messaging platform. Downloading an app from an unknown source bypasses the mobile’s inbuilt security system, making the device vulnerable to malware. Such apps work silently in the background and keep collecting your personal and financial information.
Why are such cases increasing?
Experts say that cases of cyber fraud increase during major government announcements, salary revisions or policy changes. Taking advantage of the increasing interest regarding the 8th Pay Commission, fraudsters are taking advantage of people’s curiosity and haste. Officials have appealed to people to check the authenticity of any suspicious link, attachment or message before clicking on it and to get information only from official sources. Investigation of the matter is ongoing.
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