Important Reminder: Steer Clear of .APK Files Online

Source: Says

Hey there, savvy internet user! We’ve got a heads-up for you, and it’s all about those sneaky .APK files floating around the web. If you’re scratching your head wondering what an .APK is, don’t worry – we’re here to spill the beans.

So, the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) spilled some alarming info. Between October 2022 and June 2023, they reported over 2,500 cases of phishing and .APK shenanigans, leading to a whopping RM19 million in losses. Yikes!

Now, let’s talk about the villain of the piece – malware scams. These bad boys trick unsuspecting victims into clicking or downloading malicious software. And guess what? One of their favorite disguises is the Android Package Kit (APK) files.

Picture this: scammers send .APK files your way, pretending to be innocent apps, games, or even your favorite cat videos. They might pop up in your emails, WhatsApp chats, or Telegram messages. Sneaky, right?

But it gets wilder. Scammers have been playing dress-up as delivery riders, sending .APK files masked as image files. Some even pretend to be wedding agencies, claiming to send wedding invitations. Crafty bunch, aren’t they?

Now, here’s the scary part. Once you fall for the trap and download that .APK file, it’s like giving scammers a golden ticket. They can request all sorts of permissions, turning your device into their personal playground.

Imagine scammers taking control of your phone or computer. They might even pull a fast one on you, displaying a fake payment page to swipe your credentials – bank account number, login details, the whole shebang.

Here’s the deal: This is your friendly PSA to never, ever click or download any .APK files, even if they seem to come from your nearest and dearest. Safety first, right?

Now, let’s arm you with some superhero moves to dodge those .APK traps:

• Stick to the Official App Stores: Only download apps from legit sources like Google Play, Apple App Store, or HUAWEI App Gallery. The cool kids hang out there.
• Guard Your Login Credentials: Double-check the websites. Don’t spill your login secrets to unfamiliar sites – they might not be as trustworthy as they seem.
• Dodge Unverified Links: Say no to clicking on links or downloading files from sketchy sources. Especially if they slide into your inbox, messages, or social media.
• App Permissions Check: Before hitting that install button, peek at the permissions an app is asking for. If it seems fishy, trust your instincts and back away.

So, the next time an alluring link or a mysterious .APK file winks at you, remember this article’s golden rule: Just say no. Stay safe out there, internet explorer extraordinaire!

For more wisdom on avoiding malware scams, check out the #JanganKenaKecam website, brought to you by the efforts of ABM, AIBIM, and the banks in Malaysia. Happy surfing!

Note: This article is an original information from Says and For the full details, please check the original source.

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