Be wary when you receive new year’s greetings on WhatsApp from unknown numbers. Some of the messages may be a trap, according to cyber experts.

You may receive messages offering free calendars or diaries for the new year. These messages will typically ask you to click on a link in order to receive a ‘free gift’. Experts warn that clicking on such links can expose you to cyber fraud. 

These messages may contain malicious links that can install malware on your phone. If you click on the link, it could lead to your phone being hacked, allowing sensitive data like banking details to be stolen, or your phone getting damaged by viruses.

Similarly, in the wedding season, people have been tricked by fake links sent via WhatsApp or Facebook, claiming to direct you to the wedding venue. Those who clicked on the link unknowingly ended up with malware or viruses on their phones.

In 2024, cyber crimes have seen a steep rise. According to a report, Indians lost ₹11,333 crore due to various cyber scams. There were around 12 lakh complaints in 2024 alone, and about 45% of the culprits were based in countries like Colombia, Myanmar, and Laos.

Since the launch of the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS) in 2021, there have been over 30 million complaints, with people losing a total of ₹27,914 crore. In 2023 alone, there were 11,31,221 complaints.

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