Renowned Pakistani actress Asma Abbas has become the latest victim of a WhatsApp hacking scam. The veteran star revealed that cybercriminals gained unauthorized access to her account and used it to send fraudulent messages, requesting money from her contacts.
The incident came to light when her sister, legendary actress Bushra Ansari, shared a screenshot online. In the image, scammers used Asma Abbas’s name to demand one million rupees from a man identified as Ibrahim. Bushra cautioned fans and the public against believing such messages.
Asma Abbas Issues Warning to Public
Shortly after the matter surfaced, Asma Abbas addressed her fans directly through a video message. She explained that several individuals had received messages from her number, requesting financial help. Stressing the seriousness of the situation, she urged everyone not to respond to these fraudulent appeals.
According to the actress, the breach occurred after she received a call related to a parcel delivery. During the conversation, she was asked to share a verification code sent to her WhatsApp account. Believing it to be linked to items sent by her daughter Zara, and delayed by heavy rainfall, she provided the code. Unfortunately, this allowed hackers to seize control of her WhatsApp account instantly.
Online Scams on the Rise in Pakistan
Asma Abbas highlighted that such scams have become increasingly common in Pakistan. Fraudsters often exploit hacked WhatsApp accounts to send money requests, preying on trust between friends, family, and professional contacts.
She expressed regret to her loved ones for any inconvenience caused and apologized to anyone who may have been disturbed by these fraudulent messages. At the same time, she strongly advised the public to remain vigilant.
Preventive Measures for Digital Safety
The actress urged people to be extremely careful when dealing with suspicious calls or messages. She reminded everyone never to share verification codes, passwords, or personal details with unknown callers, no matter how convincing the story may sound.
Her warning also serves as a reminder of the importance of enabling two-step verification on WhatsApp and other messaging apps. By adding an additional security layer, users can better protect themselves against account takeovers.
A Call for Awareness
Asma Abbas’s unfortunate experience highlights the urgent need for digital awareness in Pakistan. With rising cases of online fraud, educating people about cyber risks is crucial. By staying alert, verifying messages, and avoiding the sharing of sensitive information, individuals can protect themselves from similar scams.
For her part, Asma Abbas has turned the unpleasant incident into an opportunity to spread awareness, hoping that others can learn from her experience.
