The Interior Ministry warned about a fraud scheme with an "updated" version of WhatsApp

The scammers began using a new deception scheme, suggesting that users install an allegedly "working" or "updated" version of the WhatsApp messenger (owned by Meta, a company recognized as extremist in Russia). This was reported on January 25 in the Telegram channel of the Department for combating the illegal use of information and communication Technologies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region.

According to the agency, in January, the attackers began sending out phishing SMS messages and emails en masse with an offer to follow the link to download the application. These links lead to malicious resources, the purpose of which is to gain access to users' personal and payment data.

The Interior Ministry clarified that after clicking on such links and installing a fake application, the device may be infected with malicious software. This allows scammers to gain full control over the smartphone, as well as steal confidential information and funds.

In the first month of the year alone, law enforcement agencies recorded thousands of such attacks. The ministry did not rule out that the number of such cases will grow against the background of increased restrictions on the work of the WhatsApp messenger.

Showcase Instances: How Hackers Distribute Spyware through App Stores

Attackers disguise their software as useful services to steal data.

On January 24, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation said that the offer to receive bonuses and gifts from the bank and the cancellation of loan applications were signs of fraud. In addition, they can also include sending money to a "secure account" and transferring bank card details.

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