WhatsApp Pink scam: How can you stay safe from it

This is a Red Alert for all Android phone users who love WhatsApp. If you get a WhatsApp forward with a link to a pink-themed version of the app, delete the message as fast as you can. WhatsApp Pink is a malicious app that can steal your data, such as your bank account details, photographs, contacts and even OTPs.Scammers are luring unsuspecting users to download WhatsApp Pink through forwarded messages. The message, which has started circulating with great speed on WhatsApp, claims to be a new version of the app and is available for download. The message appears to be an exclusive update and promises a pink themed version of WhatsApp with new features. The message conveniently includes a link for users to begin downloading the app. Fall prey to this, and you lose all control over your phone. Your infected phone can now spread the infection to your contacts’ phones as well.The WhatsApp Pink scam forced the Mumbai Police to issue an advisory against it. How can you protect yourself from the scam?Do not click on unknown links Install apps only from trusted sources like Google Play StoreTurn on two-step verification on all apps Block and report unknown phone numbers Check on the list of linked devices. If you find any suspicious login then quickly logout of all devicesIf you have already installed WhatApp Pink, uninstall it immediately. But first make sure that the app is not linked to any other device. This can be checked under the ‘Linked devices’ section in WhatsAppWhatsApp Pink attempts to hide from the list of installed apps. So uninstall it manually. It’s important that you manually remove suspicious devices while uninstalling the appCheck all download folders and ensure there is not extra file from the download that’s still available on a device. This is important to make sure that your data is protectedAnd of course, do not forward the message any further. There are many unsuspecting and vulnerable WhatsApp users around. Stay safe, and keep your friends and family safe too. Audio Production: Prateek Kapoor