CYBER FRAUD ALERT: ‘Wingo’ app blocked to curb SMS fraud, Android users warned

STC NEWS DESK
NEW DELHI, JANUARY 30 (STC): The command and control servers linked to the ‘Wingo’ app network have been “geo-blocked” by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to disrupt its operations, reports ANI
Describing it as a “telecom mule as a service” platform that offers earnings based on SMS tasks, MHA additionally blocked four Telegram channels with around 1.53 lakh subscribers and over 53 related YouTube videos promoting the app as part of the crackdown against the ‘Wingo’ app, reads the report.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the MHA has also issued a public warning against the ‘Wingo’ app, pointing out that “Wingo App, which provides earning based on SMS Task is a ‘Telecom Mule as a Service’ App, and that citizens are advised to refrain from using the same.”
Describing the modus operandi of the frauds committed through this app, officials said the app was being used to send fraudulent SMS messages from users’ Android phones without their knowledge, raising serious concerns over misuse of telecom resources and cyber fraud.
The action against the Wingo app is part of I4C’s continued efforts to dismantle organised cyber fraud ecosystems and prevent misuse of telecom and digital platforms for criminal activities, said the report.
(Straight Talk Communications)