WhatsApp Fake Message: Hoax Claiming to Be From TRAI Suggests Using Right Thumb Impression to Open Websites Can Leak Your Biometric Data

Fake messages have been causing various crime in the country lately. These messages try to lure people with various offers, non-existent government schemes, discounts, freebies, warnings and everything fake. Most of these WhatsApp messages come loaded with viruses too, that can slow down your phone. The recent message being forwarded widely on the instant messaging app warns people against using their thumb impression to unlock any forwarded messages.

Claiming to be from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), it says that these messages scan your thumb impression and give app owners access to your biometric data. This message is a hoax and is being forwarded creating panic among people.

The message reads:

To all my friends, be careful of some msgs in WhatsApp that asks you to put your thumb in a screen to unlock a msg like happy Independence day or happy new year... Beware of these msgs and don't put your thumb anywhere. Scanning your thumb impression will give the app owners access to your biometric data, this is very serious as your Aadhar biometric is linked to PAN, banks etc.. be very careful and spread the message !! cyber crime on the rise now. #TRAI.

It also gives a link to a fake website which allegedly takes thumb impression of people. Here is a screenshot of the message:

Here is what appears on clicking the link:

Here is what appears on clicking the message:

Today, Computer emergency response team (CERT) had cautioned against a malicious 'SMShing' fraud where fake messages are being sent to people in the name of the Income Tax Department. It says refunds have been approved; the message is to steal the recipient's personal details and put them on the dark net "for sale". The warning also came as an advisory at a time during the income tax returns filing season.

Last month, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad demanded social media platforms like WhatsApp greater accountability in finding technological solutions to identify mass-circulation of messages on a particular issue in a particular area. In the recent past, WhatsApp made a few changes in the usage of the app to curtail fake messages being forwarded in large numbers. While earlier one could send a forward message to 250 users, the limit has been now reduced to just 20 people with five in India.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 09, 2018 11:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).