The government has blocked the Wingo App following allegations of cyber fraud under the pretext of online gaming. Users were reportedly targeted through fake SMS messages to extort money.
New Delhi: The Wingo App, an online gaming platform, has been blocked after reports emerged that it was being used to commit cyber fraud. Through the app, users’ phones were allegedly exploited to send fake SMS messages to others to collect money. Once the issue reached the Ministry of Home Affairs, authorities acted promptly to block the app.
Why the Home Ministry Took Action:
Officials stated on Friday that the Ministry of Home Affairs, along with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), took action against the Android app following multiple complaints. Users of the app were unknowingly becoming part of a cybercriminal network that carried out SMS-based fraud.
Promotion Channels Also Blocked:
The government blocked the app’s control servers and took down four Telegram channels with over 153,000 users promoting the app. More than 50 YouTube videos advertising the app were also removed.
Officials explained that once users downloaded the app, it would automatically start sending fraudulent SMS messages from their phones, making them unwitting participants in cybercrime.
Millions Affected Unknowingly:
The messages reportedly reached up to 15.3 million people daily. Attracted by small daily payments offered by the app, over 153,000 users unknowingly became part of the fraud network. During investigations into cyber fraud linked to e-challan scams, the Noida Police highlighted concerns about the app’s misuse.
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