Recently, 49-year-old woman fell victim to hackers, losing a staggering MYR 85,600. Her only mistake? Clicking on a Facebook ad.
The unfortunate incident unfolded when Ms. Chen, an educator, unknowingly installed an app containing malware after clicking on an advertisement on Facebook. According to reports from Shin Min Daily News, Ms. Chen realized something was awry on July 18th. At around 6 PM that day, she received a notification on her mobile phone regarding a transfer of MYR 16,400. However, her concerns grew when the notification vanished upon clicking on it. Upon logging into her online banking app, she was met with a shocking revelation: her bank account balance had plummeted to a mere MYR 13.
In response to this alarming discovery, Ms. Chen promptly reached out to her bank to freeze her account, hoping to mitigate further financial losses. The incident prompted her to take swift action, leading her to file a report with the police. As part of the investigation, she surrendered her phone to the authorities.
In her official report, Ms. Chen expressed her suspicions that the malware had been unwittingly downloaded through a fake Google Chrome app, a result of clicking on an advertisement while browsing Facebook. The hackers exploited her momentary lack of caution, sending a deceptive update notification that she unwittingly approved. Her explanation sheds light on the deceptive tactics employed by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to victims' sensitive information.
Having gained access to Ms. Chen's device, the hackers employed TeamViewer to remotely manipulate her phone, allowing them to execute a series of unauthorized transactions on July 18th. These transactions included applying for a cash advance of MYR 41,100 and facilitating transfers totaling MYR 17,500.
While the incident has left Ms. Chen grappling with substantial financial losses, her bank is reportedly reviewing her case in the hope of waiving the cash advance portion. Concurrently, the police are diligently investigating the matter to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the relentless threat posed by cybercriminals and highlights the need for individuals to remain vigilant in their online interactions. Ms. Chen's unfortunate experience has spurred her to urge others to exercise caution, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity awareness to safeguard personal and financial information.
Have you checked whether you've downloaded the fake Google Chrome app? Comment below.
Source: Shin Min Daily News
