"It has happened with me 3-4 times": Vikrant Massey reveals being victim of cybercrime
Mumbai, June 15
Actor Vikrant Massey revealed that he has been a victim of cybercrime numerous times in his life at the trailer launch of his upcoming web series Pritam and Pedro.
Vikrant Massey will be next seen in the cybercrime-based series Pritam and Pedro, which stars Arshad Warsi, Vir Hirani and Vikrant Massey in the lead roles.
At the trailer launch, Vikrant opened up about his and his family's experience with cybercrime, revealing that his social media handles have been hacked numerous times.
Vikrant Massey said, "It has happened with me 3-4 times. My Instagram has been hacked two times and Facebook as well. Money has been debited from my wife's account two times (without her knowledge). In fact, some days ago, my sister-in-law's father also went through the same experience."
The actors have often voiced their concerns regarding cybercrime and the use of AI to spread objectionable content against them on the platform. Recently, South actress Vishnu Priya on Friday filed a complaint with police alleging that a YouTube channel has published false and defamatory content about her personal and professional life, a senior police said.
Meanwhile, 'The Pritam and Pedro' is the streaming debut production of director Rajkumar Hirani.
Ahead of its release, Rajkumar Hirani opened up about the fascinating journey behind bringing Pritam aur Pedro to the screen during the show's trailer launch. He revealed that the idea originated during the COVID-19 lockdown after he received a call from the Mumbai Cyber Cell to make a film on cybercrime.
At the trailer launch, Rajkumar shared, "During the COVID period, I received a call from the head of the Mumbai Cyber Cell about making a film on cybercrime, but no one was actively working on the subject. I asked them to share the concept, saying I could develop it from home. In the process, I connected with Amit Dubey, who gave me a book of his short stories, a collection that included several ideas suitable for short films."
He added, "While reading them, I felt that one of these stories could be expanded into a larger, multi-layered narrative. A few days later, during a Zoom call, I explained that the story I wanted to create wasn't one of the existing ones, but a completely new story altogether. I was given the opportunity to develop it in my own way, and that is how the journey of Pritam Pedro began."
'Pritam and Pedro' will stream from July 3.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Vikrant Massey is such a genuine guy, always speaking up about real issues. But honestly, we need stricter laws and faster action from cyber cells. My neighbour lost ₹50,000 last month and the police complaint is still pending. Rajkumar Hirani making a series on this is a great step though - awareness is key! 👍
Living in India for 2 years now - the cybercrime awareness here needs improvement. I see people sharing OTPs on calls all the time. Vikrant Massey speaking out is important, but we need systemic change. Education on digital safety should start from school level. Good on Rajkumar Hirani for making this series though.
Yeh sab bahut common ho gaya hai yaar! My dad got a call saying his Aadhaar was being misused and they asked for UPI PIN - luckily he realised it was a scam. But 80% of such cases happen with elderly people who are not digitally literate. Maybe the series should focus on how to protect your elders too. 🤔
Vikrant Massey is truly a gem for sharing his personal experience. I've been a victim too - someone made a fake Instagram account in my name. Took me 3 weeks to get it removed. The cyber cell needs to be more responsive. But I'm excited for Pritam aur Pedro! Rajkumar Hirani's work always has a message. ❤️
Great that celebrities are speaking up, but the real problem is lack of cyber security education in India. We use O
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.