New Delhi: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has issued a warning to its 3.25 lakh personnel against a fake mobile application impersonating one of its official platforms, cautioning that it poses “serious” security risks by attempting to extract sensitive personal and organisational information.
The counterfeit app, titled Sambhav Application Writer, is being circulated on platforms like WhatsApp and YouTube, according to an advisory released by the CRPF’s IT wing on Monday.
Officials said the force has asked government cyber security agencies to take down the app from online stores, stressing that it was neither developed nor recommended by the CRPF.
The genuine application, CRPF Sambhav, is meant for personnel to access their salary, leave records, financial details, and transfer eligibility. In contrast, the fake app falsely claims it can help users draft applications for uploading on the official platform, but only after they provide sensitive details such as force ID, unit name, and other official information.
“Sharing such data with an unauthorised application can lead to grave operational security threats. Personnel are strictly advised not to download, install, or use this fake app,” the advisory warned.
All formations and unit commanders have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the advisory by briefing staff during morning and evening roll calls and through other communication channels.
The CRPF, functioning under the Union Home Ministry, is the country’s lead internal security force with primary roles in anti-Naxal operations, counter-terrorism, and counter-insurgency duties.
