Cyber expert warns against clicking unknown links after actor Upendra, wife Priyanka fall for bait

BENGALURU: People are addicted to online shopping, but cyber scammers are always on the lookout to exploit vulnerabilities. Even the Kannada film industry’s popular actor and director Upendra hasn’t been spared from their net.

Upendra and his wife fell victim to a scam that left them shaken, forcing them to approach the Sadashivanagar police station.

It all started with a call regarding an online order. The scammers managed to hack into the phones of three people, including Upendra and his wife Priyanka. They cleverly trapped the actress’s call while she was waiting for an order.

Beware… pic.twitter.com/ftbQDFodTf

— Upendra (@nimmaupendra) September 15, 2025

Cyber expert Phanindra explains the modus operandi of the scam, revealing that phone users’ cooperation is crucial for hackers to gain access.

The scammers used a USSD code, typically used to check balance in keypad mobiles, and then took over the account using OTP. They logged into WhatsApp and sent messages to contacts of Priyanka requesting money.The scammers had forwarded calls meant for the trio to themselves after hacking into their phones.

Cyber expert Phanindra said that hacking can possible with the cooperation of phone users. In Upendra’s case, a scammer contacted Upendra and asked for an address to deliver a parcel. They then say they are not getting the location, and they will direct that they will send a link and USSD code.

Earlier, it was used for balance checking on the keypad phone set. Once they press ‘OK’ all the data and information will be transferred to the new phone. The scammer will then send an OTP and hack the phone contacts easily.

“People who are using frequent phone calls, engaged in business through phones, or online shoppers could become the victims of cyber scams. Some people have no patience to check orders. The scammers usually keep target groups and random individuals. People should identify which are the genuine links. People should not react to unknown links. If someone is directing you to press *#… numbers #. If you are getting a suspicion, then do not open it,” Phanindra added.