8th Pay Commission Salary Account Scam: How Scammers Trap Employees Online; Check the do’s and don’ts

With anticipation growing over the proposed 8th Pay Commission and the expected review of salaries and pensions, cybercriminals have started targeting central government employees and pensioners.

Messages claiming to provide updated details of salary under the 8th Pay Commission are being widely circulated. These messages are designed to lure recipients into downloading malicious files.

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“Government employees are being told via messages on WhatsApp that to know the amount of their salary once the 8th Pay Commission is implemented, they must download the APK file. Once the APK is installed, mobile access goes directly to the scammers,” the post on X said.

What you need to know about fraud

• The fraud follows a clear pattern. Recipients receive a message via WhatsApp asking them to download the APK file that is supposed to contain the salary calculator.
• Once the APK file is installed, scammers gain access to the user’s mobile device. This could allow them to steal sensitive data and even withdraw money from linked bank accounts.
• Authorities urged employees and retirees to remain alert. They stressed that the government does not send APK files via WhatsApp.
• Citizens have been advised to check any information related to salary or pension review only through the official website: https://8cpc.gov.in/
• News regarding the 8th Pay Commission should be verified through official and reliable sources.

Do and don’t

• Users should not download APK files from unknown sources or click on links sent by unverified numbers.
• Citizens should never share sensitive details like OTPs, UPI PINs, debit or credit card PINs, CVV numbers, bank login credentials or WhatsApp verification codes.
• The center called on the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to avoid financial losses.