8th Pay Commission Salary Calculator APK Scam: Fake App Targets Government Employees
A Sophisticated Phishing Campaign Targets Government Employees with Fake Salary Calculator App
A large-scale cybercrime operation has been uncovered, targeting government employees and pensioners in India with a malicious Android application masquerading as a salary calculator for the 8th Pay Commission.
How the Scam Works
The scam works by sending victims a message claiming they can instantly calculate their revised salary or pension under the 8th Pay Commission. The message includes a malicious APK file designed to appear as an official tool, which, once installed, requests sensitive permissions and grants hackers full access to the device.
Consequences of the Scam
According to the FCRF, several victims have reported losing money from their bank accounts after installing the application. The malware used in the attack is a type of banking trojan that can remain hidden on the device while continuously harvesting data in the background.
It can also use screen recording, keystroke logging, and app-overlay techniques to capture banking sessions and authentication details.
Warning and Precautions
The FCRF notes that cybercriminals often exploit major government policy updates as emotional triggers to lure victims into installing malicious apps. In this case, the promise of a salary calculator for the 8th Pay Commission is being used to trick government employees into installing the fake app.
Importance of Awareness and Precautions
The FCRF highlights that government employees and pensioners are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals due to the structured and financially sensitive nature of their data. The rapid growth of mobile banking and digital payments has further increased their vulnerability, making it essential for them to be aware of such threats and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.
Conclusion
In light of this incident, it is essential for government employees and citizens to be cautious when receiving messages or links promising salary or pension benefits. Any such offers should be verified through official sources before taking any action.
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