Cybercriminals in india are exploiting the widespread interest and anticipation around the upcoming 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) to launch a sophisticated scam. With millions of central government employees and pensioners eagerly awaiting news about potential salary revisions, fraudsters are using whatsapp to spread malicious files and links disguised as official tools or updates related to the pay commission.

📱 How the whatsapp Scam Works

🔗 Fake Messages and APK Files

· Targets receive whatsapp messages claiming they can check their revised pay or pension under the 8th Pay Commission by downloading a “salary calculator”.

· These messages include a link to download an Android application package (APK) file — a type of file used to install Android apps.

· The APK is not from official sources and is not available on the google Play Store, making it potentially dangerous.

💀 Risks After Installation

Once the APK is downloaded and installed:

📲 Device Compromise

· Cybercriminals can gain unauthorised access to the victim’s mobile device.

· The malware can run in the background and monitor activity.

🔐 Data Theft

· The fake app can steal sensitive information such as messages, contact lists, and One‑Time Passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS.

· This data can be used to hack into bank accounts and other personal accounts.

💸 Financial Loss

· Once scammers intercept banking OTPs or credentials, they may conduct unauthorised transactions, draining money from accounts without the victim realising immediately.

🛡️ Official Warnings from government Agencies

Government authorities have issued alerts and advisories to warn people about this scam:

🛑 Ministry of home Affairs (MHA) & I4C Alert

· The Ministry of home Affairs (MHA) and the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) have cautioned employees that this scam is fraudulent and not linked to any official government process.

· They clearly stated that the government never sends APK files or pay revision tools through whatsapp or SMS.

🚓 Police Warnings

· Regional police forces, including in Jammu & Kashmir, have also issued advisories against installing such applications.

🛟 Safety Tips: How to Protect Yourself

To avoid falling victim to this scam:

✅ Don’t install APK files received via whatsapp or other messaging apps.
✅ Only trust official channels like government websites for pay commission updates — e.g., https://8cpc.gov.in/ or official portals of the Ministry of Finance.
✅ Avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening unknown attachments.
✅ Report scams to the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or file a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in.

🧠 Why This Scam Is Convincing

The scam takes advantage of the uncertainty and eagerness among government employees and pensioners to know about salary changes and revisions under the 8th Pay Commission. By impersonating official communications and presenting the malicious file as a helpful tool, fraudsters increase the likelihood that recipients will trust and install it.

📝 Final Note

Always verify any information related to pay commissions or government financial updates with official sources. Cybercriminals are increasingly using trusted platforms like whatsapp to spread malware — being cautious and informed is the best defence.

 

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.