Published Jun 11, 2026 | 10:58 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 11, 2026 | 10:58 PM
FIFA World Cup 2026
Synopsis: Links to fake applications are being widely shared on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, WhatsApp and YouTube under the guise of attractive advertisements like “FIFA World Cup Live Free, “1000+ TV Channels Free”, “Premium OTT Content Free”, “Movies and Matches without Ads.” Police said fake APK files disguised as TV applications under names such as HZ TV, OPEN TV, NB TV, MAX TV, XM TV and TUBI TV are being used to trap users.
As football fever sweeps across the state with the FIFA World Cup 2026 underway, the Kerala Police has issued a warning against cyber frauds being carried out through fake TV streaming applications circulated on social media platforms.
According to the police, fraudsters are targeting football fans through attractive advertisements promising free live streaming of World Cup matches, premium OTT content and ad-free entertainment.
Links to fake applications are being widely shared on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, WhatsApp and YouTube under the guise of attractive advertisements like “FIFA World Cup Live Free, “1000+ TV Channels Free”, “Premium OTT Content Free”, “Movies and Matches without Ads.”
Police said fake APK files disguised as TV applications under names such as HZ TV, OPEN TV, NB TV, MAX TV, XM TV and TUBI TV are being used to trap users.
Officials said that after installing such applications, messages like “Update Required”, “Activate Subscription”, “Enable Service” are asked to be activated on the mobile phone, and through this, all permissions such as Accessibility Service, Screen Overlay, Notification Access of the phone are obtained.
With this, officials noted, the security systems are weakened, and the fraudsters gain access to various applications on the phone without the knowledge or consent of the owner.
Cyber criminals then gain unauthorised access to the mobile phone, weaken security settings and remotely control applications on the device, including banking and UPI apps, police warned.
This allows fraudsters to siphon money from bank accounts without the knowledge of the user.
Police have advised the public not to install APK files received through social media and to download applications only from official platforms such as Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Users have also been asked not to trust offers claiming free premium subscriptions or unlimited sports access.
Authorities further cautioned against granting permissions related to screen control or accessibility services to unknown applications and urged users to regularly check security settings on banking and payment apps.
In case of cyber financial fraud, complaints can be filed immediately through the cyber helpline number 1930 or on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
