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App file on WhatsApp disguised as an invitation, bill or bank update

A file ending in .apk is sent as a wedding card, a bill or a bank update; installing it lets scammers read your messages and OTPs.

Community reports: 0

How it works

A file arrives on WhatsApp named like a wedding invitation, a bill, a bank update or a government scheme, ending in .apk.
Opening it installs an app that asks for permission to read SMS, notifications and the screen.
The app silently forwards your OTPs and messages, and your bank accounts are drained or your WhatsApp is taken over.

What it looks like

Example messages. Numbers and links are masked.

Wedding Invitation.apk

SBI Rewards Update.apk

PM Kisan Yojana List.apk

Red flags

A file ending in .apk
Sent from an unknown number or a hacked contact
Asks for SMS and accessibility permissions
Urgency to open it now

The one question to ask

Would a wedding card ever need to be installed as an app?

Already paid or shared details?

Switch off mobile data and Wi-Fi, uninstall any app they made you install, and call your bank on the number on your card to block cards and UPI. Change your banking and email passwords from a different phone. If any money has left, call 1930 at once.

1930 · cybercrime.gov.in

Also seen as

Fake bank reward apps
Fake electricity bill apps
Fake government scheme apps

What people are saying

ScamBhai desk2026-10-25App file on WhatsApp disguised as an invitation, bill or bank update

अक्सर ऐसा होता है: किसी अनजान नंबर से या किसी परिचित के हैक हुए नंबर से WhatsApp पर एक फ़ाइल आती है, जैसे "शादी का निमंत्रण.apk", "बिजली बिल.apk" या "PM किसान अपडेट.apk"।

फ़ाइल खोलते ही फ़ोन एक ऐप इंस्टॉल करने की अनुमति माँगता है। यह ऐप चुपचाप सारे SMS पढ़ता है, जिसमें बैंक के OTP भी होते हैं, और कई बार आपके WhatsApp से आपके ही संपर्कों को वही फ़ाइल भेज देता है।