Every New Year brings joy, celebration—and unfortunately, new digital scams.
One of the most dangerous scams spreading rapidly during the festive season is the “New Year Wishes APK Scam.”
Disguised as greeting cards, videos, or special New Year wishes apps, this scam silently empties bank accounts while victims remain unaware.
Let’s understand how this scam works, why people fall for it, and how you can protect yourself and your family.
📱 What Is the New Year Wishes APK Scam?
Scammers send messages containing links to fake APK files claiming to offer:
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🎉 New Year wishes videos
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🎁 Greeting cards or animations
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💌 Personalized wishes from friends
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🔔 “Special New Year Gift” apps
These links usually arrive via:
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WhatsApp
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SMS
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Facebook Messenger
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Telegram
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Email
Once you install the APK file, malware is activated in the background.
⚠️ How the Scam Empties Your Bank Account
After installation, the malicious APK can:
✔ Access SMS messages (including OTPs)
✔ Read banking alerts
✔ Capture screen activity
✔ Steal UPI & net banking details
✔ Control the phone remotely
Scammers then:
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Reset your banking passwords
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Approve UPI transactions using stolen OTPs
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Transfer money instantly
💥 Result: Bank balance becomes zero—often within minutes.
😨 Why So Many People Fall for This Scam
The scam works because it targets human emotions, not technology.
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🎊 Festive excitement lowers alertness
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🤝 Messages appear to come from known contacts
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📲 APK files look harmless
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⏳ Urgency: “See this before midnight!”
Even educated and tech-savvy users fall victim.
🚩 Common Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
🚫 App not available on Play Store
🚫 Asking permission for SMS, contacts & screen access
🚫 Message urges immediate action
🚫 Unknown sender with friendly tone
🚫 File extension ending with .apk
If you notice even one red flag, stop immediately.
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself & Your Family
✅ Golden Safety Rules
✔ Never install apps from links received via messages
✔ Download apps only from Google Play Store / Apple App Store
✔ Do not click on unknown greeting or video links
✔ Disable “Install from Unknown Sources”
✔ Use updated antivirus software
🧓 Special Advice for Parents & Senior Citizens
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Educate them about APK scams
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Ask them to consult you before installing any app
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Enable banking transaction alerts
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Limit app permissions
A 5-minute conversation can prevent years of savings from disappearing.
🚨 What To Do If You’ve Already Clicked the Link
Act fast:
1️⃣ Disconnect internet immediately
2️⃣ Uninstall the suspicious app
3️⃣ Change banking & UPI passwords
4️⃣ Contact your bank’s helpline
5️⃣ Call Cyber Crime Helpline 1930
6️⃣ Report at cybercrime.gov.in
⏱️ Speed is critical—early action can save money.
🎯 Final Thoughts from Dhan Shiksha
At Dhan Shiksha, we believe:
Financial awareness is the strongest firewall against fraud.
Scammers change methods, but knowledge always stays ahead.
This New Year, let your resolution be:
“Think Before You Click.”
🎊 Wishing you a Safe, Scam-Free & Prosperous New Year! 🎊
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