MHA issues alert on fake 8th Pay Commission salary APK scam

Srinagar, Feb 14: The Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has issued a public alert warning government employees against a fraudulent WhatsApp campaign offering a fake salary calculator for the proposed 8th Pay Commission.
According to the advisory, fraudsters are circulating messages claiming that employees can check their revised salary by downloading an APK file. Officials clarified that once the malicious file is installed, access to the mobile phone is handed over to cyber criminals, who may then siphon money from linked bank accounts.
The advisory clearly states that the Government never sends APK files through WhatsApp and cautions users against downloading applications from unverified sources. It warns that installing unknown APK files can compromise sensitive personal and financial data.
Authorities have urged employees to verify all information related to salary, pension or pay commission updates only through official government portals.
The cyber alert emphasizes that citizens should remain vigilant and avoid clicking on suspicious links circulated through messaging platforms. [KNT]