WhatsApp Whodunit: IAS officer’s phone cloned, scam messages spark panic | Lucknow News

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WhatsApp Whodunit: IAS officer’s phone cloned, scam messages spark panic

Lucknow: The mobile phone of an IAS officer posted in Lucknow was allegedly hacked and cloned on Tuesday evening, triggering panic among his contacts after fraudulent payment requests circulated through his WhatsApp account.The incident surfaced when several acquaintances of the officer began receiving WhatsApp messages seeking urgent financial assistance. Nearly 10 individuals reportedly received these payment requests, prompting them to alert the officer and verify the authenticity of the messages.

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Around 8.30 pm, the officer contacted the cyber cell after he found himself locked out of his device. According to officials privy to the probe, he was unable to send SMS, make calls, or access WhatsApp, indicating that the phone was compromised.A cyber team immediately reached the officer’s residence and restored access to the device within minutes. The team secured the account and initiated a technical analysis to prevent further misuse.Police officials suspect that the breach occurred after a suspicious file was inadvertently downloaded on the device. Investigators are examining whether a staff member associated with the officer mistakenly downloaded a malicious APK file or malware, enabling unauthorised access and cloning of the number.The cyber cell is analysing login attempts, IP addresses, and other digital footprints to trace the source of the attack, said DCP, Crime, Kamlesh Dixit.Police advised citizens to verify financial requests received via messaging apps, even if they appear to come from known contacts, and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

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