A WhatsApp group was created by locals to share information about elephant locations. Forest department employees were also included in that group. About seven years have passed since that group was created. Recently, an unidentified number sent that group a link to a national bank. When people click on it, they are prompted to install an app on their phones. Some claim that installing it leads to the mobile device being compromised. The group administrators of WhatsApp groups claim that hackers are in control of every app, from UPI to WhatsApp, that is used for financial transactions in Jhargram.
Prabir Mahato, admin of a WhatsApp group called 'Manikpara Forest Department Elephant News Update 2', says, “For the past few days, a nationalized bank application link has been circulated. Those who download these are getting their mobiles hacked. After noticing this matter, we are deleting application links as soon as they appear in the group. Those who are sending such links are also being removed from the group.”
But the question has arisen: how did the hackers enter this group? The group admin should know the identity of those who are sending links. Then why wasn't a complaint filed with the police? Prabir adds, “After discussion with all group admins, a decision will be taken regarding legal action”.
Shyamsundar Mahato, a resident of Shalbani in Shalbani gram panchayat of Jhargram block, is connected to multiple elephant WhatsApp groups. He is also an admin of several groups. He says, “A few days ago, I was added to a nationalized bank group. After some time had passed, I saw elephant location updates coming there. Looking carefully, I understood that the elephant group's profile picture had been removed and replaced with a nationalized bank's picture. Some cyber fraudsters are deceiving people by spreading fake apps in WhatsApp groups. To escape fraud, many people are shutting down WhatsApp groups”.
Shyamsundar regrets that if these WhatsApp groups are closed, local people will not be able to get elephant updates. As a result, there is a possibility of human deaths and crop damage due to elephant attacks.
The forest department is also not viewing this matter favorably. An official of Jhargram Forest Division says, “Many members of the elephant trackers team are connected to multiple elephant-related groups. They collect multiple pieces of information about elephant locations from the groups. It helps us monitor elephant movements and provide security to common people. If these groups are closed, problems will increase”.
Jhargram district cyber crime advises staying away from opening or downloading any app links that come through WhatsApp. DSP (D&T) Sabyasachi Ghosh says, 'Any link coming from unknown, unfamiliar sources should not be opened or downloaded. There is a possibility of being defrauded. Fraudsters can instantly steal all information on the mobile, including the bank balance. Google-verified apps should always be downloaded from the Google Play Store. Avoiding any links that come on WhatsApp makes it possible to protect oneself from cyber fraud.'
His advice, “We occasionally create awareness about not downloading apps from links sent by unknown numbers to WhatsApp groups. Even then, many people mistakenly fall into cyber fraudsters' traps. I am not aware of the elephant WhatsApp group matter. However, if there is a complaint, it will be investigated”.
