Have you ever received a frantic call or text threatening to cut off your power due to an overdue bill? You're not alone.
Flagging this serious issue, BSES has urged its consumers to stay vigilant and exercise utmost caution when dealing with payment requests and only use bonafide BSES authorized platforms to make payment of their electricity bills.
It also said officials will never ask consumers for their bank or credit/debit card details, CVV number, or OTP. Sources said electricity bill scams are a growing problem across India, targeting unsuspecting consumers with fake threats and phishing tactics.
Recently, a doctor in Delhi became a victim of this growing cyber fraud.
Clicking on a fake link supposedly to pay his electricity bill, he was duped of Rs 6 lakh. This was not an isolated case. These scams are not limited to a single city.
From Delhi to major metros across the country, fraudsters are employing similar tactics.
They send messages claiming overdue payments and urging unsuspecting people to click on dubious links or call unfamiliar numbers.
These links often lead to malware-infested websites, while the phone calls connect you to imposters posing as official representatives.
Their goal? To steal consumer’s personal and financial information, potentially leading to significant financial losses.
The hallmark of these scams is urgency. The messages typically warn of immediate power cuts due to unpaid bills. They may even include official-looking logos and language to create a sense of legitimacy. Here's how the scam unfolds:
BSES is regularly conducting campaigns using social media platforms, RWA meets and other below the lines activities to raise consumer awareness about the importance of vigilance against such frauds. As part of this initiative, consumers are being informed on how to pay their electricity bills safely.
Safety tips are as follows:
aNever click on unknown links or call suspicious numbers received on SMS/ email
aNever download unknown or suspicious applications/software on somebody’s instructions for making your electricity bill payment
aNever follow "step-by-step" instructions given by somebody over the phone, email, or message to make your electricity bill payment.
aNever share Team Viewer, OTP, or any other personal information with anybody claiming to be an electricity official while making your bill payment
aNever pay via unknown apps or to suspicious phone numbers or links. Only use authorized payment options as specified by the power discom
aRemain alert and pay your electricity bills only through bonafide platforms
If you suspect that you have received a fraudulent message or fallen victim to a scam, it is crucial to act quickly. Report the incident to the discom and local authorities or cybercrime cell immediately.
