Jaipur, August 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Ahead of Raksha Bandhan, the Rajasthan Cyber Crime Police has issued an advisory warning citizens against festival-themed cyber frauds involving fake APK files, phishing links, gift offers and fraudulent courier messages.
Acting on the directions of Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar Sharma, the cyber police urged people to exercise caution while receiving messages related to Raksha Bandhan and avoid downloading unknown files or opening suspicious links.
Additional Director General of Police (Cyber Crime) V.K. Singh said fraudsters were circulating APK files with names such as “RakshaBandhan.Greeting.apk” and “Festival.Gift.apk” through WhatsApp. Installing such malicious applications could potentially give criminals access to sensitive phone functions and information, including the camera, gallery, messages and banking applications.
Fraudsters are also reportedly using messages promising festival discounts, free gift vouchers, mobile recharges and other attractive offers. Links in such messages may lead to fake websites designed to obtain banking credentials and personal information. Police advised people not to click on such links even if they appear to originate from familiar brands or contacts.
Another tactic involves creating fake WhatsApp or social media accounts using relatives’ names and photographs and then asking victims to transfer money. In some cases, fraudsters claim that a Rakhi or gift has been sent by courier and ask recipients to click on a delivery link or pay a small fee.
The police advised citizens to:
- Avoid downloading or installing unknown APK files.
- Disable WhatsApp’s media auto-download feature.
- Enable two-step verification on WhatsApp and other important accounts.
- Avoid suspicious links offering gifts, coupons, discounts or recharges.
- Verify unusual messages or requests for money by contacting the person directly.
- Never share banking credentials, OTPs, PINs or other sensitive information.
The police particularly stressed disabling WhatsApp’s automatic media download option to reduce the risk of harmful files being downloaded automatically.
Anyone who falls victim to cyber fraud should act immediately by contacting the nearest police station or calling the National Cyber Helpline at 1930. Complaints can also be filed through the Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in.
For assistance, Rajasthan Police has also provided Cyber Helpdesk numbers 9256001930 and 9257510100.
The police appealed to citizens to remain particularly vigilant during the festive season and verify suspicious messages, links and payment requests before taking any action.
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