DODA, Oct 15: A growing cyber threat is reportedly causing concern among residents of Doda and other parts of the Chenab Valley, with several WhatsApp accounts allegedly compromised in recent days. According to local reports, more than 100 people may have been affected over the past two weeks, raising concerns about digital security and online fraud.
Residents have been urged to exercise extreme caution while using WhatsApp, particularly when receiving suspicious messages containing links, APK files, application download requests or unknown attachments—even if the messages appear to come from friends, relatives or other trusted contacts.
Cybercriminals may gain unauthorised access to WhatsApp accounts and use them to send malicious links or files to the victims’ contacts. Since such messages appear to originate from familiar numbers, recipients may be more likely to trust them, click on the links or install potentially harmful applications, putting their devices, personal information and accounts at risk.
People are therefore advised not to click on suspicious links, download applications from unknown sources or open unexpected attachments received through WhatsApp. If a message appears unusual, users should independently verify its authenticity by contacting the sender through a phone call or another trusted communication channel.
Residents have also been urged to spread awareness among family members, friends, students, shopkeepers and elderly people to help prevent further incidents and reduce the risk of cyber fraud across the Chenab Valley.
Authorities and cyber safety experts generally advise users to enable two-step verification, never share WhatsApp registration codes or device-linking codes, and regularly review the list of devices linked to their accounts.
If you receive an unusual WhatsApp message asking you to click a link, download an application or open an unexpected file—even from a saved contact—do not act on it until you have independently verified that the sender actually sent it.
Residents who suspect that their accounts have been compromised should immediately check their WhatsApp account security settings, log out of unfamiliar linked devices and follow the official account recovery process. Suspected cybercrime incidents can also be reported through India’s cybercrime helpline 1930 or the official portal at cybercrime.gov.in.
Stay alert. Stay cyber-safe. Share this information to help protect others.