Kannada Actor Upendra and Wife Fall Victim to Rs 1.5 Lakh WhatsApp Cyber Scam

Police sources confirm the cyber fraud occurred in September.

Bengaluru:

Popular Kannada actor Upendra and his wife Priyanka have become victims of a sophisticated cyber fraud, resulting in a financial loss of approximately Rs 1.5 lakh. The scam involved hackers gaining unauthorized access to their mobile phones and WhatsApp accounts. Bengaluru Police have made progress in the case, arresting one suspect named Vikas Kumar from Bihar.

The incident reportedly took place in September when Priyanka completed an online purchase. Shortly after the transaction, she received a link on her mobile device. By clicking this link, she inadvertently granted hackers access to her WhatsApp account. The cybercriminals then proceeded to send messages to her contacts requesting urgent financial assistance. Several individuals, including the couple's son, transferred money believing the requests were legitimate.

The situation escalated when Priyanka attempted to contact Upendra and their manager during the ordeal, resulting in their devices also becoming compromised. By the time the family realized they had fallen victim to a cyber attack, the perpetrators had already fraudulently obtained approximately Rs 1.5 lakh.

Following the incident, a formal complaint was registered at Sadashivanagar Police Station. The subsequent investigation led authorities to Dashrathpur in Bihar, where they apprehended the accused, Vikas Kumar.

Currently, the Central Division Cyber Police and Sadashivanagar Police are collaborating on the ongoing investigation into this cyber fraud case.