New Year Greeting Link Scams
नए साल ग्रीटिंग लिंक धोखाधड़ी
INDIA — By BharatSecure Threat Intelligence Team ·
Verdict: Dangerous | Risk Score: 8/10 | Severity: High
Category: Phishing/Bank
How New Year Greeting Link Scams Works
- Scammers send WhatsApp/Telegram messages containing fake festive cards or gift links.
- These links hide malware or lead to phishing sites.
- Upon clicking, malware is installed to steal banking data or other personal information.
- Exploits holiday trust and excitement for sharing greetings.
How This Scam Works — Detailed Explanation
As New Year approaches, scammers exploit the festive spirit by sending New Year Greeting Link Scams through popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. These messages often look like warm wishes from friends or family but contain malicious links. The links may encourage users to click and view special New Year greetings or offers. However, once clicked, these links either direct victims to fake websites designed to steal personal information or prompt them to download harmful apps or software.
In India, these scams are particularly dangerous because they target sensitive platforms like UPI apps, mobile banking services, and even Aadhaar-linked accounts. The fake websites may ask users to enter banking credentials, UPI PIN, OTPs, or Aadhaar numbers under the guise of activating greeting cards or prizes. Scammers cleverly design the pages to mimic real bank or payment app interfaces, tricking victims into trusting them. Sometimes, these links try to install malware that can intercept OTPs or hijack SMS messages to bypass two-factor authentication.
The approach often includes messages coming from unknown numbers but also sometimes from phone contacts whose accounts were compromised, making the scam appear more trustworthy. Once someone falls for the trap, their bank accounts may get drained through unauthorized UPI transactions, or their identity can be misused. Victims usually realize the fraud only after suspicious transactions appear, making it hard to recover lost money quickly.
This scam demonstrates how cybercriminals exploit cultural moments to spread their attacks. With mobile payments and WhatsApp used by millions daily in India, complacency can lead to severe financial and identity theft. Being alert, especially during festival seasons like New Year, can help users avoid falling prey to these dangerous links.
Who Does New Year Greeting Link Scams Target?
Users of WhatsApp/Telegram in India, especially during festive seasons.
Red Flags — How to Identify New Year Greeting Link Scams
- Unsolicited festive links from unknown or even known contacts (if the message seems unusual).
- Links requesting downloads or permissions after clicking.
- Links leading to domains that do not match the expected service.
What To Do If You Encounter New Year Greeting Link Scams
- Avoid clicking on any New Year greeting links received unexpectedly on WhatsApp or Telegram, especially from unknown contacts.
- Do not download or grant permissions to any app or software prompted by festive greeting links.
- Verify with the sender through a direct call or separate message if you receive unusual greeting links from known contacts.
- Immediately report suspicious messages or links to BharatSecure and block the sender on your messaging app.
- Check your bank statements and UPI transaction history regularly, and contact your bank if you notice unauthorized activity.
How to Report New Year Greeting Link Scams in India
- Call 1930 — National Cyber Crime Helpline (24x7)
- File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in
- Contact your bank immediately if money was lost
- Call RBI helpline: 14440 for banking fraud
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is New Year Greeting Link Scams?
- Dangerous: New Year Greeting Link Scams. Beware of New Year 2026 greeting links on WhatsApp/Telegram, hiding malware to steal banking details in India.
- How does New Year Greeting Link Scams work?
- Scammers send WhatsApp/Telegram messages containing fake festive cards or gift links. These links hide malware or lead to phishing sites. Upon clicking, malware is installed to steal banking data or other personal information. Exploits holiday trust and excitement for sharing greetings.
- How to protect yourself from New Year Greeting Link Scams?
- Avoid clicking on any New Year greeting links received unexpectedly on WhatsApp or Telegram, especially from unknown contacts. Do not download or grant permissions to any app or software prompted by festive greeting links. Verify with the sender through a direct call or separate message if you receive unusual greeting links from known contacts. Immediately report suspicious messages or links to BharatSecure and block the sender on your messaging app.
- How to report New Year Greeting Link Scams in India?
- Report to cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline). You can also contact your local police station's cyber cell.
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