SCBA issues urgent alert as fraudsters Impersonate Advocates on WhatsApp

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has issued an urgent alert after discovering that fraudsters hacked the WhatsApp accounts and mobile numbers of multiple advocates and used them to solicit money, triggering fresh concerns over cybercrime targeting the legal community.

In a circular issued on January 28, 2026, the SCBA disclosed that it had received complaints from several members whose accounts were compromised, with the number of affected advocates continuing to rise. The association identified instances where imposters, posing as well-known members of the Bar, sent messages demanding money, exploiting professional trust within the legal fraternity.

The development highlights how digital vulnerabilities are increasingly being used to defraud lawyers by misusing their identities and professional standing.

While no judicial order was involved, the Bar Association’s leadership took a firm administrative stance, publicly naming affected members to prevent further harm and issuing a categorical warning to all advocates. Members were expressly cautioned that they should not act on such requests and were advised to independently verify any demand for money, with the circular stressing, “Do not transfer any funds or respond to such messages without direct verification.” 

The SCBA made clear that the advisory was issued to curb financial loss and enhance collective vigilance against cyber fraud.