Sri Lanka Police have issued a public warning about a dangerous new financial fraud being carried out through malicious “.apk” files sent via WhatsApp and Telegram.

According to the Police, these files are often disguised as wedding invitations, electricity bills, or lottery notices. Once clicked, they install harmful software on mobile phones. 

This allows hackers to control the device screen and read SMS messages, including confidential One Time Password (OTP) codes linked to bank accounts.

Police warn that suspicious “.apk” files should never be downloaded or opened, even if they appear to come from friends.

 “Always use Google Play Store or Apple App Store to obtain apps, and ensure the ‘Install Unknown Apps’ option in phone settings is disabled,” the statement said.

They further advised that anyone who suspects they have fallen victim should immediately suspend their bank accounts and report the matter to the nearest police station or the Computer Crimes Division of the CID. (Newswire)

The post Police warn over new digital banking scam via WhatsApp and Telegram appeared first on Newswire.