A new scam has been circulating in the market. Recently, a man from Jabalpur, was duped of Rs 2 lakh, just because he downloaded an image that he received on WhatsApp.

The man reportedly received an image from an unknown number on his WhatsApp. A few minutes after he downloaded the image, he noticed some suspicious activities happening on his banking app. Before he realised what it was, he found that Rs 2 lakh had been withdrawn from his account without his consent. According to experts, the image had a malware in it which hijacked the banking data from his phone and caused him to lose his money.

What is WhatsApp image scam?

WhatsApp image scam is a new trick adopted by cyber criminals who trap their victims by sending them an image. The image in itself looks innocuous. However, it is embedded with malware that attaches to a device at downloading.

The malware in the device can perform several vicious activities including stealing sensitive data like banking information, passwords, OTPs, etc. In some cases it might even provide remote access to a device to the scammer. This could also make personal and private data of an individual like pictures, contacts, or messages, vulnerable to cyberattacks.

How to Save Yourself from the Scam?

Turning off the automatic downloads for images is the first thing every WhatsApp user needs to do. It is essential to take control of what is downloaded on your phone amid rising scams. For this it is also important to not download any files or images from an unknown number.

The scammers might also make a call to convince you to download the image. They might impersonate to be from police or law enforcement agencies and ask you to recognise a person in the image. These calls have to be avoided.

An AI expert has also recommended to avoid saying anything first when you receive a call from an unknown number. It might just be AI on the other side waiting to record your voice sample which could be later replicated and used in a damaging way.

Updating your software regularly can also go a long way in protecting yourself from malware and viruses on your device. It can keep your data safe while removing the malicious code. However, for foolproof protection you can use a reliable antivirus software.

Most of all it is important to stay informed about these scams. Therefore, spread awareness about it, talk to people, let them know of the stories you know, and learn the stories they know. Beware and stay safe.