In a serious reminder of the growing threat of cybercrime in India’s legal ecosystem, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has issued an urgent alert to its members following reports of WhatsApp hacking of advocates, where fraudsters impersonated lawyers to solicit money. The alert, issued on January 28, 2026, comes after multiple complaints were received regarding compromised mobile numbers and messaging accounts of practising advocates.
This incident highlights not only the vulnerability of widely used communication platforms like WhatsApp but also the increasing targeting of legal professionals by cybercriminals due to their perceived credibility and professional networks.
WhatsApp Accounts of Advocates Hacked: What Happened?
According to the circular issued by the SCBA, at least four advocates reported that their WhatsApp accounts and mobile numbers were hacked. These compromised accounts were then used by fraudsters to send fraudulent messages demanding money from other members of the legal fraternity.
The SCBA specifically named Senior Advocate Parthiv Goswami and Advocate Pragya Singh Parijat as victims whose mobile numbers were hacked. Messages were sent in their names requesting urgent financial transfers, creating confusion and potential financial risk for fellow advocates.
The Association further noted that additional complaints were continuing to come in, indicating that the issue may be more widespread than initially reported.
SCBA Advisory: Do Not Transfer Money Without Verification
In response to the incident, the Supreme Court Bar Association issued a strict advisory urging its members to:
- Not transfer any money in response to WhatsApp or mobile messages seeking financial assistance
- Avoid responding to suspicious messages, even if they appear to come from known colleagues
- Verify all monetary requests by directly calling or speaking to the concerned person before taking any action
The SCBA emphasised that these measures are necessary to protect members from financial fraud and to ensure heightened vigilance against cybercrime specifically targeting advocates.
Why Are Advocates Being Targeted by Cybercriminals?
Cybercrime experts suggest that advocates are increasingly being targeted because:
- High levels of trust exist within professional legal networks
- Advocates often handle financial transactions, retainers, and court-related expenses
- Fraudulent messages sent in the name of senior or known advocates are more likely to be believed
- WhatsApp remains a primary mode of professional communication among lawyers
Impersonation scams rely heavily on urgency—phrases such as “urgent help”, “medical emergency”, or “court-related payment” are commonly used to pressure recipients into quick transfers.
Cybersecurity Risks in the Legal Profession
The WhatsApp hacking incident involving SCBA members underscores broader concerns regarding digital security in the legal profession. Lawyers routinely exchange sensitive information, documents, and financial details through messaging platforms, often without adequate cybersecurity safeguards.
Some common vulnerabilities include:
- Weak or reused passwords
- Lack of two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Clicking on phishing links disguised as official messages
- SIM swapping and OTP interception
The legal profession, despite its reliance on confidentiality and trust, has often lagged behind in adopting structured cybersecurity practices.
Legal and Ethical Implications of Such Cyber Attacks
Cyber attacks on advocates are not merely financial crimes; they have serious ethical and professional implications. Impersonation of lawyers can:
- Damage professional reputation and credibility
- Lead to loss of trust among clients and colleagues
- Potentially expose confidential client information
- Disrupt court-related communications
From a legal standpoint, such acts may attract liability under provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, as well as relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) relating to cheating, identity theft, and criminal impersonation.
Role of Bar Associations in Cyber Awareness
The swift issuance of an alert by the SCBA demonstrates the important role Bar Associations play in safeguarding the interests of advocates. Beyond issuing warnings, bar bodies can contribute by:
- Conducting cybersecurity awareness sessions
- Issuing best-practice guidelines for digital communication
- Coordinating with cybercrime cells for prompt redressal
- Encouraging reporting of cyber incidents without stigma
Such institutional responses are essential in an era where professional misconduct can be simulated digitally without the victim’s knowledge.
How Advocates Can Protect Themselves from WhatsApp Hacking
In light of the incident, advocates are advised to adopt the following preventive measures:
- Enable two-step verification on WhatsApp
- Never share OTPs or verification codes
- Avoid clicking on unknown links, even from known contacts
- Regularly update device security and operating systems
- Immediately alert colleagues if an account is compromised
Timely reporting to WhatsApp support and local cybercrime authorities can help limit damage.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Digital Vigilance
The WhatsApp hacking of advocates and the subsequent SCBA alert serve as a wake-up call for the legal fraternity. As the profession becomes increasingly digitised, cyber vigilance is no longer optional—it is essential.
The incident reinforces the need for collective caution, institutional support, and individual responsibility in combating cybercrime. By remaining alert and verifying financial requests through direct communication, advocates can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to such frauds.
As cybercriminals evolve, so must the safeguards adopted by those entrusted with upholding the law.
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