What is Pink WhatsApp scam? How can you protect your mobile from it?
The cybercriminals are stealing data and personal information such as contact details and bank details, through the downloading of malicious apps like WhatsApp Pink.
The Cybercrime Wing of Mumbai Police recently issued an alert regarding a new scam on WhatsApp. This WhatsApp forward has a link claiming to install a pink-themed application, which is actually a malicious app to steal your data.
The Pink WhatsApp claims that it is a new official version with new features from WhatsApp. However, once you click on the link to download the Pink themed WhatsApp the scammers take control of your phone.
The URL that is being forwarded on WhatsApp contains a phishing link that loads the user’s device with malicious software that can steal the personal data.
The North Region Cyber Police Crime Wing of Mumbai Police tweeted and shared pictures illustrating the meaning of ‘WhatsApp Pink’, its threats, and shared guidelines for safe-guarding your phone.
How to Avoid WhatsApp Pink Scam?
The best way to protect yourself and your device is to avoid clicking on or visiting any external link sent by an unknown source. Even if the sender seems to be known and legit, the best way to protect the device and data is to ignore and avoid any link for downloads from any unknown source other than the Google Play Store (Android) and Apple App Store (iOS). However, iPhone users are usually safe from such scams as iOS does not allow them to install any applications from unknown sources.
How to Uninstall WhatsApp Pink?
In order to uninstall WhatsApp Pink, all the suspicious devices need to be unlinked from the Linked Devices section of WhatsApp. Once WhatsApp Pink gets installed on any device, the app hides itself from the installed apps section. One has to find it in the ‘hidden’ section.
To find out the malicious software, navigate to the ‘Apps’ section in the settings of the phone, search ‘WhatsApp Pink’, which has a pink icon, and click on the uninstall button. At times, malicious apps like this do not have a name in the list of applications, so one cannot easily find out if they have installed them.
Additionally, you can follow some easy steps to protect your device in case you have clicked on the link to install WhatsApp Pink:
- Take a backup of all your data on the device
- Run a security scan and format the device
- If needed, after formatting your device, restore factory settings.
Get Latest Business News, Stock Market Updates and Videos; Check your tax outgo through Income Tax Calculator and save money through our Personal Finance coverage. Check Business Breaking News Live on Zee Business Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe on YouTube.