The indian government has issued a high‑alert warning to the public about an alarming increase in fraudsters and hackers contacting people using fake identities and messages that look genuine — with the potential to steal money, personal data and even take control of messaging accounts.

According to cybersecurity advisories, criminals are now employing sophisticated tactics to trick users into believing the communication is legitimate, often using familiar logos and trusted names to lure victims.

🕵️‍♂️ How Hackers Make Contact

The scams typically start with:

• A message or link sent over whatsapp, SMS, or social media that appears to come from a friend, service, or trusted source.
• A message such as “check this photo” or “urgent update, click here” that tempts users to interact.
  Once a user clicks the link or follows the instruction, attackers can gain control of accounts, siphon banking credentials, or install spyware.

One particularly dangerous method highlighted in the advisory is called “GhostPairing” — where attackers secretly link their own device to a user’s whatsapp account without needing the password or SIM swap. This gives the hacker almost full access to chat messages, contacts, and media.

💸 What Hackers Do After Contacting You

Once your device or account is compromised, criminals can:

• View and send messages from your accounts
• Phish for sensitive details like OTPs, bank passwords, and personal information
• Impersonate you to request money from your contacts
• Drain bank accounts or make unauthorized transactions

These scams can be extremely convincing because the attackers often mimic official communications or use trusted contact names.

📌 Government & CERT‑In Warning to Citizens

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT‑In) — a government cybersecurity agency under the Ministry of Electronics and IT — has repeatedly warned that:

• Government bodies never ask for financial information, OTPs, or account access through whatsapp, SMS, or social media links.
• No official agency will contact you demanding money or threatening legal action through such channels.

This alert echoes earlier advisories that government agencies do not use platforms like whatsapp or Skype for official communication — any such message should be treated as suspicious.

🚨 How to Protect Yourself

Experts and authorities recommend the following safeguards:

Do Not Click Unknown Links
Never tap on links from unknown numbers or unexpected messages, even if they appear to come from friends.

Verify Before Responding
If a message claims to be from a government or bank official, contact the organization directly through official numbers or apps to verify.

Avoid Entering Credentials or OTPs Anywhere Else
Legitimate services never ask for passwords or OTPs in messages — do not enter them on third‑party pages.

Use Official Apps and Tools
Always install apps via trusted app stores, keep devices updated, and use multi‑factor authentication where possible. Cybersecurity alerts also recommend encrypted messaging to reduce interception risks.

🧠 Stay Vigilant and Informed

Government and police cybercrime units have emphasised that victims often fall prey because the fraud uses social engineering — manipulating fear, urgency, or curiosity to prompt quick action. Therefore, taking a moment to verify before acting can prevent financial loss or identity compromise.

If you suspect you have been targeted, immediately report it to your bank, withdraw suspicious app permissions, and file a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or the official cybercrime portal.

Summary:
✔️ Hackers are contacting people using fake identities and deceptive messages.
✔️ They use tactics such as GhostPairing and phishing links to gain access to accounts.
✔️ government agencies like CERT‑In warn that official bodies will never request financial or personal data through WhatsApp/SMS.
✔️ Always verify, avoid unknown links, and report suspicious activity to protect your data and money.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.