8th Pay Commission Scam Alert– Government Issues Warning Over Major Fraud

8th Pay Commission: Millions of people are awaiting the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission, and cyber fraudsters are taking advantage of this. Online fraudsters have devised a new method of defrauding people using salary calculators. This time, the fraudsters are targeting government employees and pensioners. This network of fraudsters is so widespread that the Home Ministry’s cybersecurity initiative, “Cyber Dost,” has even issued a warning about this threat.

Govt. issued warning against 8th pay commision scam

The government has issued a warning regarding the messages coming in the name of 8th Pay Commission. Online fraudsters have given birth to a new scam. It has been named Salary Calculator or 8th Pay Commission Scam. In this, fraudsters take advantage of people’s enthusiasm. According to reports, ( REF. ) in this fraud, people are made to download an app named 8th CPC Salary Calculator.

This app is not downloaded from Play Store, but is side-loaded through APK. After this, the person gets complete access to the other person’s phone. After this, it does not take long for people’s bank accounts to be emptied.

How do fraudsters empty bank accounts?

Once the fraudsters manage to install an APK file on a user’s phone, they can remotely monitor every activity on the other person’s phone. This also gives them access to your messages and OTPs. Without delay, the fraudsters then set about emptying your bank account.

In many cases, victims’ accounts have been found completely empty. Cyber experts say that these apps operate in the background, and you may not even realize that your sensitive information is being leaked.

Understand what is APK or side loading?

In this method of fraud, APK and side loading are used as weapons. In simple words, you generally download apps from Google’s Play Store only. Whereas sideloading APK means installing an app in the phone without going to the Play Store. Apps installed in this way are usually dangerous. This is the reason why due to Google’s policy, they do not get a place on the Play Store.

Fraudsters send the APK file of the app to people in the form of messages and by offering some inducement, they get it installed in their phones. In these cases of fraud, this inducement is the excitement of knowing one’s salary under the 8th Pay Commission.

How can we stay safe?

Cybersecurity and security agencies have clarified that the Indian government never sends APK files via WhatsApp or any other messaging platform. Keeping a few important things in mind can help protect yourself from such scams.

To do this, first delete any messages from unknown numbers. Any conversation with people you don’t know could cause you financial loss.

Don’t click on unknown links on WhatsApp, and if you accidentally click on one, immediately close any page that opens. Also, if an app starts downloading after accidentally clicking on a link, stop it and, preferably, factory reset your phone.

Additionally, for information related to the 8th Pay Commission or any other government scheme, visit the relevant website for information, rather than using links in unknown messages.

Remember that the OTP is for your use only. Sharing it with anyone will result in harm.

If you accidentally installed a suspicious app, uninstall it immediately and report it to the National Cyber Crime Helpline. Also, factory reset your phone.