Internet scams are highly prevalent online where the scammers intend to deceive people by leading them to install malicious APK files. A Bengaluru resident Chetty Arun recently had a similar encounter where a scammer tried to trick him into installing a suspicious APK file.
Instead of negating the offer Arun decided to hold a conversation with the online scammer and cleverly managed to reveal some of the scammer’s deceptive tactics. Arun shared the exchange on social media which caught the attention of Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma.
ADVERTISEMENT
Arun’s interaction with the scammer led to an insightful exchange that disclosed the scammer’s tactics and intentions
It all started with the scammer’s attempt to mislead Arun into downloading a malicious APK file. Arun did not ignore or dismiss the idea and engaged in a conversation. Arun initiated the conversation when the scammer did not pick up his call.
He started with a friendly banter, which led the scammer to reveal their fraudulent methods. The heartwarming exchange took a different turn when the scammer confessed to gaining access to victims’ WhatsApp accounts and their OTPs for unauthorized access to e-commerce and banking applications.
Surprisingly, the scammer got friendly and even cautioned Arun against downloading suspicious APK files. They had a long conversation but as soon as Arun urged the scammer to share scam-prevention tips with others, the scammer understood Arun’s intentions and instantly deleted their chats.
Check out Arun Chetty’s viral thread:
I spoke with yet another scammer today. I don’t know why I do this, but here we go.
It all started with a few annoying Whatsapp messages trying to scam me. But we ended up wishing each other good luck 😂
1/n pic.twitter.com/Sm49J5XtNW
— Chetty Arun (@ChettyArun) April 19, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
I got 4-5 such messages from different numbers today. All sending me an APK file on WhatsApp.
I got annoyed at first. Blocked all those numbers. But this one particular one, I decided to call and bash him.
But then, the weirdo in me wanted to have a chat 😅
2/n pic.twitter.com/mWGQYUpzdF
— Chetty Arun (@ChettyArun) April 19, 2024
I was curious to see what the APK does when installed. He said if I click on it, it’ll basically forward all my messages to his number.
3/n pic.twitter.com/2MTa7ugrxs
— Chetty Arun (@ChettyArun) April 19, 2024
I then started pushing him to know what they’ll do and how do they eventually earn money off of this.
Oh, while doing all this bakkar, I also was teaching him what “Gossip” meant 😂
4/n pic.twitter.com/AVNVoFhofc
— Chetty Arun (@ChettyArun) April 19, 2024
While I was trying to get some information from him, he wanted to get on a video call to talk more 😂
I told him I keep getting such messages with APK files and look at him protecting me saying, “Install nahi karna” 🙏
5/n pic.twitter.com/inxwanWh7f
— Chetty Arun (@ChettyArun) April 19, 2024
I obviously avoided the video call. Itna bhi toofani nahi karna tha. But still, wanted to know where they generally get my number to do all this.
While he didn’t answer that, looks like the first thing they do once they get message access is take over victim’s WhatsApp
6/n pic.twitter.com/2eHkRozNZF
— Chetty Arun (@ChettyArun) April 19, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
So, the number you see on the screenshot, it’s some victim’s number. Truecaller says some gibberish though.
Also, look at him embracing Digital India 😂😂 He started ranting about Digital India saying security is poor so all of this is possible 😂
7/n pic.twitter.com/raTaTEy4N8
— Chetty Arun (@ChettyArun) April 19, 2024
He then went on to give me tips about such messages 🙏 Told me what to do if someone accidentally clicks and installs that APK.
Also, by this time I was comfortable enough with him and added him to my contacts as “Scammy McScammer” 😂
8/n pic.twitter.com/zbmVJFKeBx
— Chetty Arun (@ChettyArun) April 19, 2024
Coming to the main point, he then slowly opened up and said what all they do. Pretty scary actually what all you can do once you have access to someone’s number and SMS inbox
9/n pic.twitter.com/q7Yk8zjoF3
— Chetty Arun (@ChettyArun) April 19, 2024
First, take over WhatsApp of the victim.
Second, try installing all ecommerce and bank apps and sign up. OTP anyway comes to them. Once they have access to any such apps, sky is the limit.
Saved card on ecommerce apps? Can do CVV less transactions till a limit. BOOM!
10/n
— Chetty Arun (@ChettyArun) April 19, 2024
Oh, while all this was happening we also got to share some personal stuff 😂
Scammy McScammer congratulated me in advance for shaadi. Such a cool guy.
11/n pic.twitter.com/sgI0jkxR5B
— Chetty Arun (@ChettyArun) April 19, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Scammy McScammer wanted to connect outside WhatsApp now. Because, that’s not his number and anytime it’ll go kaput.
He wanted my Facebook ID. I said I don’t have one and he thought I was scared. He is such a sweet guy he said not to be scared 😂
12/n pic.twitter.com/5towD2URQy
— Chetty Arun (@ChettyArun) April 19, 2024
I said I am on Twitter though and I will spread his tips here 😂
Scammy McScammer immediately understood what I am going to do and deleted all the previous chats 😅
Also, he specifically told me not to post these here 🙈
13/n pic.twitter.com/foimjzf5df
— Chetty Arun (@ChettyArun) April 19, 2024
While Scammy McScammer was doing wrong things, he was a kind hearted guy.
He understands that victim’s hard earned money is being looted.
14/n pic.twitter.com/8o0DhpBO3p
— Chetty Arun (@ChettyArun) April 19, 2024
He wanted my Twitter now 🙈 I had to tell him that kuch rishte simple, sweet, aur temporary hi ache lagte hai.
15/n pic.twitter.com/L2ZOJxBDgx
— Chetty Arun (@ChettyArun) April 19, 2024
We finally ended by wishing each other ♥️
Now, while Scammy McScammer is doing something bad he still wanted me to spread this message and warn people out there. So, here it goes:
16/n pic.twitter.com/NCx1aFyHxn
— Chetty Arun (@ChettyArun) April 19, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
1. Don’t ever click on these APK files. Especially tell elders in your family. Once they have access, it’s easy to get more victim leads from WhatsApp
2. Whenever someone installs that APK by mistake, tell them to reset everything
17/17
— Chetty Arun (@ChettyArun) April 19, 2024
The insightful conversation went viral on social media and the thread even caught the attention of Paytm Founder
The conversation gained traction on social media platform X in no time. It caught the eye of Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma. Arun’s witty approach piqued Sharma’s interest. He was impressed by the way Arun handled the situation and he even shared the thread.
The viral thread became a topic of discussion about online security and scam awareness. The Paytm founder wrote,
You won’t stop till you read this full thread !
You won’t stop till you read this full thread ! https://t.co/FD7yX69Xri
— Vijay Shekhar Sharma (@vijayshekhar) April 19, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
The insightful thread highlighted the prevalence of online scams and also the lack of vigilance and education in combating cyber fraud. It set an example for users to be cautious while interacting with unknown entities online. It is important to verify identities, avoid downloading suspicious files, and report any distrustful activity.
Have you ever been a victim of online scams? Let us know in the comments.
ADVERTISEMENT