BASE APK: courier and delivery services fraud

A friend decided to foolishly send an app file via whatsapp. The file was named base.apk. I immediately informed him about the risks of downloading APK files online. So I've located the file in my files. It was in the not installed section. I immediately deleted it. Am I safe or should I factory reset the device ? Also what could base.apk file be ? Asked my friend he was not very informative.The digital world has been hit by new fraud MO that involves a courier sending a photo of a package in an APK file. This ruse has been the talk of the town and you should be careful of it.
It runs by fraud perpetrators who pose as a courier of an expedition service company. Now that people are becoming more aware of this new MO, the fraudsters will use another way to scam people.
The Danger of APK Files
The file you clicked is not a photo, but an APK file that needs to be installed on your device. Then, you will be asked to give permission to allow the app to take photos and record videos, access your SMS, and can send SMS from your mobile phone.
Once installed, it only takes 45-60 minutes for the fraudster to empty all of your data, including m-banking data stored on your phone. It means that the fraud perpetrator will automatically gain access to your m-banking account. Even worse, they can remotely control your phone so they can do whatever they want.
Fraud usingAPK files is arguably a very dangerous scam. When you have clicked and installed the APK file, then all your data will be harvested and known by the fraudster. In fact, they can also know whatever you type, Simply put, the perpetrator will also know all the PINs, passwords, or OTP codes of your banking account..
By knowing the dangers posed by this APK file scam, you should never click on APK files carelessly which can compromise the confidentiality of your data including your m-banking account.