If you use UPI payment or net banking, you need to be careful of banking scams. Recently, a new malware named “Digital Lootera” has been found, which can steal money from your UPI account. This malware does not rely on calls or messages to scam you, but directly accesses your Android phone. Let us know what this malware is and how it can be avoided.
What is a “digital robber”?
Gadgets360 was the first to report about this malware. It does not work like old scams, where scammers hack the user’s account by sending a link through call or message. This is a different kind of fraud toolkit that can bypass UPI bank account and SMS-based OTP verification. This malware enters the user’s device through APK files and then does its work after getting permission.
How does this malware work
This malware is being distributed through APK files. As soon as a user downloads the infected APK file, it will be installed on his device. During installation, this APK file will ask for permissions to write and read SMS. As soon as this permission is received, the malware starts its work. Working in the background, it silently monitors bank verification messages, allowing hackers to gain access to users’ accounts.
NPCI issued clarification
NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India), which operates the UPI platform, has issued a clarification on the matter. NPCI says that reports of this malware have been analyzed and necessary steps have been taken within UPI to protect users from such risks.
How to avoid such scams?
If you use an Android phone, only download apps from trusted sources like Google Play Store.
If someone sends you a link to download an APK file via message, refuse. Never download apps from such links.
Keep Google Play Protect on on your phone and keep your phone software up to date.
