Bank accounts emptied in the attempt to watch adult content:Govt warns users against these adult apps; check the list and tips to stay safe

Cyber scammers are adopting new tactics every day to defraud people. Targeting people by displaying advertisements for adult pornographic content on social media is the scammers’ latest weapon. Scammers show users advertisements for adult apps. They know that people may fall for such advertisements and download the apps. Once an app is downloaded, it asks for numerous access rights and permissions and hacks the user’s phone. Once they gain control of the phone, scammers can use it to carry out various types of fraud. Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) issued an advisory regarding such adult-content apps. They also released a list of dangerous apps. It is therefore extremely important to understand this new scam. That is why, in today’s ‘Cyber Literacy’ segment, we will discuss the ‘adult apps scam’. We will also learn- Expert – Rahul Mishra, Cybersecurity Adviser, Uttar Pradesh Police Question: What are adult apps? Answer: These are Android apps containing photographs, videos or other types of adult and pornographic content. Cybercriminals use social media advertisements to persuade people to download suspicious apps to view such content. They later use these apps to commit fraud. Question: What advisory has the government issued regarding Android apps containing adult content? Answer: According to I4C, Android apps promoted on social media as adult content are dangerous. Downloading them can allow cybercriminals to take control of the phone and may put users at risk of financial fraud. Question: How are scammers luring people into their trap? Answer: Understand this through the following pointers-
Question: Which apps have cyber agencies warned about? Answer: In its advisory, I4C named several dangerous adult apps. See the complete list in the graphic: Question: What is an APK file? Answer: APK stands for Android Package Kit. It is a file used to install apps on Android phones. Apps are generally installed from the Google Play Store. However, they can also be installed directly on a phone through an APK file. Cyber fraudsters misuse this. Question: What are the risks of installing a suspicious APK file on a phone? Answer: This can give cybercriminals access to the phone and the sensitive details stored on it. It also increases the risk of banking and UPI-related fraud.

See all the risks in the graphic: Question: What is accessibility permission? What risks can arise from granting access to a suspicious app? Answer: This is a sensitive permission that allows an app to read what is displayed on the phone screen, understand the user interface (UI), and perform actions such as tapping or clicking. Granting this permission to a suspicious app can create a risk of fraud. Question: What precautions should be taken when granting accessibility permission to any app? Answer: Keep a few things in mind- Question: Does uninstalling the app alone eliminate the risk? Answer: No. If the app has already been granted sensitive permissions, uninstalling it alone does not reduce the risk. Take the following steps immediately- Go to the phone’s settings and disable all permissions for the app. Turn on two-factor authentication. If you suspect fraud, report it by calling the cyber helpline number 1930. Question: Is every advertisement seen on social media dangerous? Answer: No, not every advertisement seen on social media is dangerous. However, it is not safe to click on an advertisement or download an app immediately after seeing it. Be especially cautious of advertisements that create fear, greed, or curiosity and urge you to take immediate action. Question: What precautions should be taken to avoid suspicious apps? Answer: Pay particular attention to the points given in the graphic: Question: What should you do if you accidentally install a suspicious app? Answer: Here are the key points: Question: Where should you complain if you fall victim to fraud because of such an app? Answer: In such a situation, immediately call the cybercrime helpline number 1930. Also, file an online complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. If the fraud is related to your bank or UPI, immediately inform the concerned bank.