Home / Crime and Justice / Govt Employees Warned: Fake 8th Pay Commission Scam!
Govt Employees Warned: Fake 8th Pay Commission Scam!
18 Feb
Summary
- Scammers offer fake salary hike previews via WhatsApp.
- Malicious APK files grant remote phone access.
- Government urges caution and use of official websites.

Central government employees are currently being targeted by a sophisticated cyber scam promising early access to salary revisions under the 8th Pay Commission. This fraudulent scheme involves malicious WhatsApp messages containing links to download APK files, which appear to be salary calculators. Once installed, these files grant scammers remote access to victims' mobile devices.
This illicit access enables fraudsters to steal sensitive personal data and conduct unauthorized transactions from linked bank accounts. The scam exploits the significant interest among over one crore central government employees and pensioners regarding the 8th Pay Commission, which impacts salaries and pensions. Officials emphasize that the government never distributes APK files via messaging apps.
To safeguard against this threat, authorities strongly advise government employees to refrain from downloading any files from unverified sources or clicking suspicious links, regardless of the message's apparent authenticity. For all official information concerning salaries and pensions, individuals should exclusively rely on government-approved websites. The official 8th Pay Commission website has been launched to provide accurate updates and gather feedback from stakeholders.
Cyber experts highlight the increasing sophistication and targeted nature of modern scams, often designed to exploit financial benefits or urgent updates to provoke immediate action. They encourage employees to exercise caution by pausing and verifying any suspicious communication before clicking links, as a few moments of vigilance can prevent significant financial harm.