The cyber crime police of Hyderabad have issued an alert warning the public against fraudulent New Year greeting links being widely circulated on WhatsApp ahead of the celebrations, cautioning that clicking on such links could compromise personal and financial data.
Police said users may receive messages claiming to offer personalised New Year greeting cards or digital gifts, often urging recipients to click a link to view the content. These links, officials said, typically trigger the download of malicious APK files that install spyware or malware on mobile phones.
Once installed, the malicious software can provide hackers access to bank accounts, one-time passwords, photo galleries and contact lists, leading to financial loss and misuse of personal information, police said.
Cyber crime officials have advised the public to avoid clicking on unknown or suspicious links, particularly those asking users to install or update an application to view greetings. Citizens were told to restrict themselves to opening plain text messages, images or videos received from trusted contacts.
Officials said increased scam activity is common during festive periods and appealed to the public to remain cautious and alert as the New Year approaches.
Published – December 27, 2025 07:23 pm IST
