Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Sept 15: In a shocking turn of events, Kannada film star Upendra and his wife, actress Priyanka Upendra, have fallen victim to a mobile phone hacking scam.
Taking to social media, the actor issued a video statement urging the public to stay alert and not to send money if contacted from their numbers.
Upendra revealed that the trouble began when Priyanka received a suspicious call from an unknown number claiming to be related to a parcel she had ordered.
“Namaskara to everyone. We want to send out a cautionary message. Priyanka got a call from a certain number. She was expecting a parcel, so she assumed it was about that. The person asked her to click on a hashtag and dial certain numbers, which she followed,” he explained.
He added that when the process appeared to fail, Priyanka tried the same actions using his phone. “Because of that, it seems my phone has also been compromised,” he said.
Hackers impersonating couple to ask for money
The hackers have reportedly begun messaging people from Priyanka’s WhatsApp account, pretending to be her and requesting money. “They’ve sent messages saying ‘My UPI is not working. Please transfer money. I’ll return it within two hours.’ These messages are being sent to people in her contact list,” Upendra warned.
He further stated that the fraudulent messages have understandably raised suspicion among some recipients. “Some people replied saying, ‘Let’s talk over the phone,’ but the hacker responded saying, ‘I can’t talk right now.’ So thankfully, no one has sent any money yet.”
The actor confirmed that he and Priyanka are on their way to file a formal complaint with the police.
Priyanka Upendra also issues statement
Priyanka Upendra has also posted a public message on social media, confirming the hacking incident. “Namaskara to all. My mobile phone has been hacked. If anyone receives a message in my name asking for money, please do not send anything,” she wrote.
The couple has urged the public to stay cautious and report any suspicious activity involving their names or numbers.