Fake prizes, popups and malware
Big idea: if it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
The story in short
A popup with confetti told Bunny he was the 1,000,000th visitor and could claim a free smartphone in two minutes. He wondered why a stranger would give him a phone and why it needed a countdown, so he left using the browser’s back button, not the popup’s X. Rohit wasn’t so lucky. He clicked “claim”, a file installed itself, and his phone filled with ads and lost its battery by lunchtime. Nilu chachu found the adware, removed it, ran a scan and changed Rohit’s passwords.
The idea
- Too-good-to-be-true offer: a prize for doing nothing, from someone you don’t know.
- Urgency tactic: the countdown is there so you don’t stop to think.
- Unsolicited download: a file arriving that you never asked for.
- Malware: malicious software built to harm or spy. Adware floods your screen with ads.
- Fake close button: a popup’s X can be built to do the same as “claim”. Use the back button or close the tab.
- Signs of infection: ads everywhere, fast battery drain, apps you don’t remember installing.
In real life
Scammers also send APK files on WhatsApp pretending to be wedding invitations, bank updates or electricity bills. Installing them can let criminals read your OTPs. Install apps only from the official app store.
Remember: A real prize never needs you to rush, and never needs you to download anything to claim it.
Check yourself
A popup says you won a free phone and must claim it in 60 seconds. What should you do?
Your phone suddenly shows ads everywhere and the battery drains fast. What's likely?
Someone on WhatsApp sends you an "invitation.apk" file. What should you do?
Where is the safest place to download apps from?
More for you: 🧒 Kids · 🧑🏫 Parents and teachers