‘Watch Video, Earn Money’:Beware of these ads! Scammers will empty accounts, understand from experts how to avoid this fraud

“Earn money from home.” “Earn daily money by watching videos.” While scrolling through social media, you must have seen such ads many times. These ads are for ‘watch and earn’ apps. That is, apps that claim to earn money in exchange for watching videos/ads or completing small online tasks. Lured by the promise of part-time earnings, many students and young people often download these apps. Initially, some people even get a small amount of money, which builds their trust. But in many cases, cyber criminals exploit this trust to commit fraud. Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the ‘Indian Cybercrime Coordination Center’ (I4C) have issued a warning regarding ‘watch and earn’ apps. Therefore, in today’s ‘Cyber Literacy’ column, we will talk in detail about the ‘watch and earn’ app scam. We will also learn about: Expert: Rahul Mishra, Cyber Security Advisor, Uttar Pradesh Police Question: What is the ‘Watch and Earn’ app scam? Answer: This is a type of cyber fraud, in which it is claimed that money can be earned by watching videos, reels, or advertisements from an app. In this- Question: How do cyber fraudsters carry out this scam? Answer: Fraudsters promote ‘Watch and Earn’ apps through social media, messages, or fake advertisements. They entice users with the lure of earning money and make them download the apps. This is where the scam begins. Understand this with a graphic- Question: What is an APK file? Why is downloading it risky? Answer: This is the installation file package for Android apps. An APK file downloaded from fake links, pop-ups, or unofficial websites may contain malware or spyware. This carries the risk of mobile hacking, data theft, and bank fraud. Question: What permissions do fake ‘Watch and Earn’ apps ask for? Answer: Fake apps ask for many unnecessary permissions, such as- Question: What is Accessibility Permission, and why is it dangerous? Answer: Giving accessibility permission means you are handing over control of your phone to the scammer. This gives them access to control and monitor many mobile activities. After gaining this access, cyber fraudsters- Therefore, this permission is the most sensitive and dangerous. Question: Who do scammers target? Answer: In this scam, fraudsters usually target people who are lured by the promise of quick and easy money. Such as- Question: How to identify fake apps? Answer: Fake ‘watch and earn’ apps can be easily identified by some unusual signs. See it in the graphic- Question: Can apps from the Play Store also be dangerous? Answer: Yes, cyber fraudsters upload fake apps to the Play Store by making them look like real ones. Therefore, before downloading any app, always check the developer’s name, reviews, download numbers, permissions, and update history. Question: What are the risks of installing fake ‘Watch and Earn’ apps? Answer: Installing such apps can put both mobile and banking security at risk. See all risks in the graphic. Question: How are fake earning apps run on social media? Answer – Cyber fraudsters share fake earning apps through social media and messaging platforms. For example- Often, these apps are also promoted through influencer promotions and referral schemes. Question: How to avoid the ‘Watch and Earn Scam’? Answer: To avoid this, staying vigilant is most important. Before downloading any app or granting permission, check it thoroughly. See all safety tips in the graphic. Question: What to do if a fake ‘Watch and Earn’ app is accidentally downloaded? Answer: In such a situation, immediate action is necessary to prevent data theft and bank fraud. See what to do in the graphic. Question – What to do if money is debited from a bank account? Answer – In such a case, without delay, immediately inform the cybercrime helpline and the bank. Taking quick action increases the chances of recovering the money. Question: Where and how to report a ‘Watch and Earn Scam’? Answer – Follow these steps for this-