KUALA LUMPUR: Police have recorded 67 cases of smartphone hacking aimed at stealing data through Android Package Kit (APK) file applications, resulting in losses exceeding RM1.1 million.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said police have opened investigation papers on the cases that occurred from January to May this year.
"Selangor and Penang recorded the highest number of cases compared to other states.
"Not only sending APK files through wedding invitations, but the syndicate also uses tactics such as job offers, cleaning and domestic helper agents, vehicle sales, and jewellery sales," he said when contacted by Harian Metro.
Ramli added that the department last year recorded 676 cases involving losses of over RM18.6 million.
He said the highest number of cases recorded last year were in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang.
Ramli advised the public to remain cautious and avoid downloading APK files received through messages, emails, or other similar channels.
He reportedly said that police have also detected criminals using wedding invitation messages disseminated through application files embedded with malware to steal data and access their victims' financial information.
Among the active tactics detected since mid-last year was the sharing of digital wedding invitation cards through APK files embedded with malware.
He added that investigation results also revealed that such invitations were sent by criminals disguised as the victims' friends.
