WhatsApp Wedding Invite Scam: Govt Employee Loses ₹1.9 Lakh in Hingoli, Maharashtra

A government employee in Hingoli, Maharashtra, lost ₹1,90,000 after opening what looked like a digital wedding card on WhatsApp. The message said "Welcome. Shadi mein zarur aye. 30/08/2025. Love is the master key...". The WhatsApp wedding invite scam used a file masquerading as a PDF that was actually an APK; once tapped, it compromised the phone and enabled unauthorized transfers. 

What happened (quickly):

• A wedding “card” arrived from an unknown number.

• The attachment looked like a PDF but installed a malicious APK.

• After installation, money was siphoned from the bank account; an FIR followed.

Stay safe:

• Never install .apk files sent via WhatsApp/SMS; use official app stores only.

• Verify unexpected invites with the sender before clicking.

• Keep OS, banking apps, and Play Protect updated; enable 2FA.

• If hit, report fast at 1930 or the National Cybercrime Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).

According to CERT-In, India’s cyber security agency, WhatsApp-based phishing is rising, often using files disguised as personal invites—exactly this playbook.

Planning your own celebrations? Get inspired—safely—with our guide: 7 Best Romantic Places to Visit on a Budget for Newlyweds.

The WhatsApp wedding invite scam preys on trust. A few seconds of caution protect both your memories and your money.