Kannada Actor Upendra Falls Victim To Phone Hacking, Scamsters Demand Rs 22,000

Popular Kannada actor-director Upendra and his wife, actress Priyanka Upendra, have fallen victim to a cyber fraud after hackers compromised their mobile phones and attempted to swindle money from their contacts. According to reports, the fraudsters sent messages requesting Rs 22,000 via UPI transfers, claiming the amount would be refunded within hours.

The incident reportedly began when Priyanka received a suspicious message on her device. The text stated that a delivery could not be completed and asked her to call a number that contained unusual symbols. Believing it to be genuine, she dialled the number.

Soon after, Upendra also tried calling from his own phone. Within moments, both their devices were hacked.

Upendra immediately took to social

media to alert the public about the scam. “A message came to my wife Priyanka’s phone… we dialled from Priyanka’s phone and then from mine too, both our phones got hacked,” the actor said in a live video.

Take a look below:

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A post shared by Upendra Kumar (@nimmaupendra)

Priyanka also released a statement urging people not to respond to the fraudulent requests. “My phone and Uppi’s phone have been hacked. Some people are asking for money through UPI. We appeal to everyone not to send any money. That’s not us,” she clarified.

Following the incident, the couple lodged a complaint with the police. Authorities have launched an investigation into the matter.

Upendra remains one of the most influential names in South cinema, known for films such as Mukunda Murari, Upendra Matte Baa, I Love You, and Home Minister. He is an actor, film director, screenwriter, lyricist, playback singer, producer and politician who works primarily in Kannada cinema. He has also worked in a few Telugu and Tamil films. His wife, Priyanka, has acted in Kannada, Tamil, and Bengali films, and was last seen in a special role in the 2024 Kannada release Gowri.