Archive · 30 Dec 2025
Cyber Scams Target New Year Greetings
Telangana Police are warning people about a new type of scam happening on WhatsApp and Telegram.
Scammers are sending fake New Year greeting messages with links.
When you click the link, it secretly installs bad software on your phone.
This software lets the scammers control your phone, see your messages, and even access your bank account.
They can also send the same fake message to your friends and family.
The police say you should be careful and not click on any suspicious links, even if they seem to come from someone you know.
Telangana Police warn of 'Greeting Scams' on WhatsApp and Telegram using New Year messages.
Scammers send links claiming to offer personalized greetings or gifts, which install malware on the device.
Malware gives hackers remote access to the phone, allowing them to steal information and bypass two-factor authentication.
Attackers can take over the victim's WhatsApp account and spread the scam to contacts and groups.
TGCSB advises citizens to avoid clicking suspicious links and to verify the sender before opening any messages.
- Who
- Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) and cybercriminals
- What
- Warning about New Year greeting scams on WhatsApp and Telegram
- When
- Ahead of New Year 2026
- Where
- Telangana, India
- Why
- To prevent cybercriminals from exploiting festive messages to gain remote access to devices and bank accounts
- Scam Type
- Greeting Scams
- Platforms Affected
- WhatsApp and Telegram
- Malware Used
- Malicious APK (Android Package Kit)
- Hacker Access
- Remote access to device, SMS, photos, contacts, and microphone
- Spread Mechanism
- Forwarding the scam link to contacts and groups
- Police Advice
- Avoid clicking suspicious links, verify sender, and report scams
