Security researchers warn of a new scam that targets Telegram users with messages carrying hidden malware. Attackers send a file that appears harmless at first glance, but hides an Android package labeled as an APK. When the file is clicked, a covert program is installed on the device. The software then can monitor activity, extract data from banking apps, messages, and other personal services, and quietly relay it to the attackers. The approach relies heavily on social dynamics—people are curious about unfamiliar contacts, and the chat environment makes it easy to share and trust seemingly legitimate content. In the United States, Canada, and many other regions, this tactic spreads through group chats and one‑to‑one conversations, often riding on urgency or a sense of exclusivity to coax downloads.
Observations published by security teams describe cases where recipients receive messages from unknown accounts asking a provocative question: Is this you in the photo? The photo may not load, and the message resembles a file ready for download. The attached item is labeled with APK, signaling that it is not a safe image but a software package designed for Android devices. The goal is to trick users into opening the file, after which the malware can begin to operate with minimal user intervention. In North American networks, researchers note similar patterns: the lure of a personal image, a file you feel compelled to check, and a short window to act before the moment passes.
Once opened, the malicious program runs persistently in background processes. It can request a long list of permissions and, if granted, harvest data from installed apps and services. Banking apps are especially attractive targets, and credential theft can lead to unauthorized transactions or access to accounts. The malware can also capture messages, contacts, location data, and device identifiers, enabling further phishing or scam operations. Victims may notice unusual activity on their devices after the download, and some attackers configure the malware to avoid obvious signs by masquerading as legitimate system processes.
Experts stress that legitimate photographs never arrive as an APK file. The APK tag is a common sign that a file is executable software, not a simple image. This pattern appears across various campaigns and remains a reliable red flag. The takeaway for users is simple: treat any unexpected file from unknown contacts as suspicious, never take it at face value, and avoid downloading or running it. Security teams urge people to disable the option that allows downloads from unknown senders by default and to enable warning prompts for untrusted files.
Analysts note that since mid 2024, scammers have built automated chat bots designed to seize Telegram accounts. These bots mirror real conversations, guiding users through steps that lead to credential theft or account control. The automation allows criminals to reach dozens or even hundreds of victims with minimal effort. While the tactic is observed globally, it hits North American Telegram users particularly hard as more people rely on the app for daily communications, payments, and identity verification. Awareness campaigns emphasize not trusting messages that arrive from unfamiliar accounts, especially if they ask for private data or urge quick actions.
Earlier fraud waves included schemes where scammers posed as lenders offering loans and exaggerated opportunities to obtain quick cash. Victims were invited to share sensitive information or make upfront payments, only to see funds disappear into fake accounts. In the United States and Canada, there are reports of losses after engaging with such schemes. The pattern shares a common thread with the APK based malware approach: social engineering, rapid deployment, and the lure of easy money. Users are urged to stay vigilant, verify contacts through trusted channels, and keep devices updated with the latest security patches.