In a disturbing case of cybercrime acclaimed Kannada actor and filmmaker Upendra along with his wife and actress Priyanka Upendra became the latest victims of a sophisticated phone hacking scam. The incident not only breached their personal digital security but also put their close contacts at risk highlighting the alarming rise of cyber threats targeting celebrities and public figures. What has happened? The couples mobile phones were compromised after Priyanka received a suspicious message regarding an undelivered order which prompted her to dial a number containing unusual symbols. Subsequently both their devices were hacked and the perpetrators sent messages to their contacts requesting Rs 55000 via UPI transfers with a false promise of refunding the amount within two hours. Upon discovering the breach Upendra addressed the issue through a live session on social media urging fans and friends not to respond to any such fraudulent requests. He explained A message came to my wife Priyankas phone we dialed from Priyankas phone and then from mine too both our phones got hacked. Priyanka also appealed to the public stating My phone and Uppis phone have been hacked. Some people are asking for money through UPI. We appeal to everyone not to send any money. Thats not us. More about the case The couple has filed a formal complaint with the police and is taking necessary steps to address the situation. This incident highlights the growing concern of cyber threats especially targeting public figures and underscores the importance of digital vigilance. More about Upendra and Priyanka Upendra is one of the most respected names in Kannada cinema known for his unconventional storytelling and bold directorial choices. He began his career as a writer and director before becoming a successful actor. Some of his critically acclaimed films include A Upendra Super and Uppi 2 all known for their deep philosophical undertones and experimental narratives. Beyond cinema he also briefly entered politics and founded the Prajakeeya movement emphasizing citizen-centric governance. His recent appearance was in Rajinikanths Coolie helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. His wife Priyanka Upendra is a well-known actress who has worked in multiple Indian film industries including Kannada Bengali Hindi Telugu and Tamil. She gained popularity in the early 2000s and has delivered several impactful performances in films like H2O Malla Priyanka and Devaki. Known for her grace and versatility Priyanka has balanced commercial and content-driven roles throughout her career. Story Highlights Upendra and Priyanka Upendras phones were hacked after responding to a suspicious message. Hackers sent messages to their contacts requesting Rs 55000 via UPI transfers. The couple alerted the public through social media and filed a police complaint. The incident emphasizes the need for increased awareness and caution against cyber scams. This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals and the importance of staying vigilant in the digital age.