Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna’s WhatsApp account hacked, cyber fraudsters attempt money scam

Udupi: Cyber fraudsters have now begun targeting elected representatives, with Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna falling victim to a WhatsApp account hacking attempt.

Miscreants allegedly gained unauthorised access to the legislator’s official WhatsApp number and attempted to extort money from people in his contact list, posing as the MLA himself.

According to sources, the hackers sent messages to several contacts of Yashpal Suvarna, urging them to transfer money urgently through Google Pay and other digital payment platforms. The messages were crafted to appear genuine, using the MLA’s profile photo and familiar tone, creating panic and confusion among recipients.

Some messages reportedly cited urgent personal needs, a common tactic used in cyber fraud. As soon as he became aware of the hacking attempt, MLA Yashpal Suvarna issued a public warning, urging people not to respond to such messages or send money.

He clarified that any request for money in his name via WhatsApp was fraudulent and asked citizens to remain cautious. Cyber experts note that while earlier scams largely involved fake Facebook profiles created using stolen display pictures of public figures, hackers have now escalated their methods by directly compromising WhatsApp accounts.

This not only facilitates financial fraud but also poses a serious threat to personal privacy, confidential conversations and sensitive data stored on the platform.

How WhatsApp accounts get hacked

Hackers commonly use phishing techniques to gain access. Users may receive messages from unknown numbers containing links claiming to be WhatsApp updates, verification requests or urgent security alerts.

Clicking on such links or sharing the One-Time Password (OTP) received on the phone allows hackers to take control of the account. Once logged in, the victim is logged out of their own WhatsApp, leaving the account fully accessible to the fraudsters.

After gaining control, scammers often stage emergency dramas, sending messages to friends and relatives claiming hospitalisation, accidents or urgent financial distress. Because the messages come from a trusted contact with a familiar profile photo, recipients are more likely to comply and transfer money without verification.

In some cases, hackers may also attempt blackmail using personal photos or video calls.

How to stay safe: Enable Two-Step Verification

Cyber police and experts strongly advise WhatsApp users to enable Two-Step Verification immediately. This feature adds an extra layer of security by requiring a six-digit PIN in addition to the OTP.

Even if hackers obtain the OTP, they cannot log in without this PIN. Users are also warned never to click on unknown links, never share OTPs with anyone and to verify emergency money requests through direct phone calls.

Authorities have urged citizens to report such incidents promptly to cyber crime helplines to prevent further losses and track down the perpetrators.

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