What Happened to Pradeep?
Pradeep got a call from an unknown number one morning, asking him to check a photo sent on WhatsApp to identify someone. The message seemed fishy, so he ignored it at first. But when the calls kept coming, curiosity got the better of him.
He downloaded the image a simple picture of an elderly man. Big mistake. Hidden inside that image was steganography-based malware , a sneaky code that gave hackers full access to his phone. Within minutes, they activated his net banking and siphoned off ₹2 lakh, which was then withdrawn from an ATM in Hyderabad.
Pradeep immediately filed a complaint with the local police and cyber cell, but the damage was done. This wasn’t just a one-off incident it’s part of a growing wave of high-tech scams targeting unsuspecting users like you and me. So, how do these scammers pull it off?
What Is Steganography, Anyway?
The term “steganography” comes from Greek, meaning “hidden writing.” It’s a clever way to conceal malicious code inside media files like images or GIFs. The code is so well-hidden that even most antivirus software can’t detect it.
The moment you open the infected file, the malware slips into your phone, quietly stealing sensitive data like bank details or passwords. According to a report by The Indian Express , cyber expert Tushar Sharma explains that this isn’t new hackers used similar tricks with GIFs on WhatsApp back in 2017.
“Once you download the file, the hidden code runs in the background, bypassing security settings to access your data,” Sharma says. “These scams have evolved since 2019, becoming more sophisticated.”
Most images use three bytes for color red, green, and blue. Scammers hide malware in an extra “alpha channel” byte, making it invisible to the naked eye. When you open the image, the malware activates, and boom your phone’s compromised.
How Does This Scam Work?
Here’s the playbook:
-
You get a call or message from an unknown number, often posing as someone familiar.
-
They send an image with a vague or urgent request, like “Can you identify this person?”
-
You download the image, and the hidden malware installs itself.
-
Hackers gain access to your phone, steal sensitive info, and drain your accounts.
It’s fast, silent, and scarily effective. The worst part? These scams are hard to spot because the images look totally normal.
How to Stay Safe from WhatsApp Image Scams
I’ve had my fair share of sketchy messages, and trust me, a little caution goes a long way. Here are some practical tips to keep your phone and wallet safe:
-
Avoid Unknown Numbers : Don’t download files from numbers you don’t recognize. If it feels off, it probably is.
-
Turn Off Auto-Download : Go to WhatsApp settings and disable auto-download for media from unknown contacts. This stops files from saving automatically.
-
Never Share OTPs : Scammers might pretend to be a friend or bank official. No matter what, don’t share your one-time password (OTP).
-
Skip Suspicious Groups : Avoid joining random WhatsApp groups. Set group invite permissions to “My Contacts” in settings to block shady invites.
-
Silence Unknown Callers : Enable the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature in WhatsApp to mute calls from unknown numbers and reduce spam.
For more tips on staying safe online, check out the official Government of India Cyber Crime Portal at cybercrime.gov.in/ . It’s packed with resources to protect yourself from scams like these.
Why This Matters
These scams aren’t just about losing money they’re about losing trust. I remember my cousin freaking out when he almost fell for a similar scam. It’s a wake-up call to stay vigilant.
Scammers are getting smarter, but so can we. By following these simple steps, you can keep your WhatsApp safe and avoid becoming the next Pradeep.
