Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Courier scam compromises BMC chief Ashwini Bhide’s WhatsApp account
Fraudsters took control of BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide’s WhatsApp account.
They used another phone to log into her number.
Instead of using a texted OTP, they activated the account through a voice call.
The criminals then contacted people in her address book and asked them for money.
The scam began with a caller who said he was delivering a parcel.
Police call this scheme a courier scam.
Other public figures, including Shaina NC, Vanita Kharat, Supriya Sule and Sambit Patra, have also reportedly been targeted.
Mumbai Police said the scheme originates from the Jharkhand-Bihar border.
BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide lost control of her WhatsApp account over the weekend.
Fraudsters logged into her WhatsApp number from another phone and activated it through a voice call instead of an OTP.
After taking over the account, the fraudsters asked people in Bhide’s contact list for money.
Police said Bhide received a Saturday call from someone claiming to deliver a parcel.
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC, actress Vanita Kharat, NCP leader Supriya Sule and BJP leader Sambit Patra were previously targeted in similar scams.
- Who
- BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide was targeted by fraudsters.
- What
- Fraudsters took over her WhatsApp account and sought money from people in her contact list.
- When
- The takeover occurred over the weekend, after a call received on Saturday.
- Where
- The incident involved Bhide’s WhatsApp account; police linked the alleged scam’s origin to the Jharkhand-Bihar border.
- Why
- The fraudsters used the account to ask Bhide’s contacts for money after claiming to be delivering a parcel.
- Target
- Ashwini Bhide, BMC Commissioner
- Platform
- Scam type
- Courier scam
- Account access
- The number was activated on another phone through a voice call instead of an OTP.
- Fraudsters’ action
- They asked people in Bhide’s contact list for money.
- Initial contact
- A caller claimed on Saturday that he had come to deliver a parcel.
- Police assessment
- Mumbai Police said the modus operandi originates from the Jharkhand-Bihar border.