Amid the growing menace of fake apps and online scams, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has issued a nationwide alert over a fake mobile application. The paramilitary force has warned its 3.25 lakh personnel after detecting a fake mobile application mimicking one of its official digital platforms.

The advisory, circulated on Monday (August 18) by the force’s Information Technology wing, flagged an app called “Sambhav Application Writer” that has been circulating on WhatsApp, YouTube and other social media platforms.

Sambhav Application Writer: Why has CRPF warned about this app?

According to the officials, this fake app circulating online attempts to lure users into sharing sensitive details such as force ID numbers, unit names and other personal or organisational information. “Sharing such information with the unauthorised app can lead to serious operational security risks. Do not download, install or use this (fake) app,” the advisory cautioned.

There does exist the genuine application – CRPF Sambhav – which is widely used by CRPF personnel to access key services including salary slips, leave records, financial details and transfer eligibility. However, the fake version falsely claims to help personnel prepare applications for upload onto the official platform, thereby harvesting confidential data.

An officer told PTI that the CRPF has already approached central cyber security agencies, seeking removal of the rogue app from online play stores. Unit commanders have also been directed to ensure strict compliance by briefing all personnel during roll calls and through internal communication channels.

The CRPF, under the Union Home Ministry, is the country’s largest paramilitary force and plays a frontline role in anti-Naxal, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. Initially established as the Crown Representatives Police on July 27, 1939, CRPF assumed its current name when the CRPF Act was passed on December 28, 1949.