Fake Parcel Call: How Cybercriminals Hacked BMC Chief Ashwini Bhide's WhatsApp

Mumbai: Cybercriminals exploited a fraudulent parcel call and a simple phone code to seize control of Chief Ashwini Bhide's WhatsApp account, following the activation of call forwarding on her mobile number. According to Mumbai Police, Bhide received an unsolicited call claiming she had booked a parcel in her name. When she denied ordering any parcel, the caller allegedly urged her to contact a delivery person.

She was then presented with a code containing 21 followed by a 10-digit mobile number and a hashtag, which, when dialed, activated call forwarding on her phone. The cybercriminals subsequently registered Bhide's phone number on WhatsApp using voice-call verification, as the calls were already redirected. Once they obtained the verification code, they took over her account, altered her display picture, and began reaching out to contacts, including VIPs, with messages demanding money.

Bhide quickly recognized the suspicious activity, disabled call forwarding, and regained control of her account, averting a potential financial scam. Similar incidents have been reported, involving other public figures like Shiv Sena leader Shaina N.C., MP Supriya Sule, BJP leader Sambit Patra, and actress Vanita Kharat. Police suspect that the cybercrime network operates from Jharkhand-Bihar border areas.

Mumbai Police warned citizens against dialing star codes, such as 21, when directed by unknown callers, as these codes can activate call forwarding and potentially compromise accounts.