In light of rising incidents of cyber fraud, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has issued a public advisory warning residents against fake calls and messages being circulated in the name of the civic body.
Mayor Rajrani Malhotra has appealed to citizens to remain cautious and avoid falling prey to fraudulent schemes. According to the advisory, several residents have reported receiving suspicious messages from individuals falsely claiming to be officials from the MCG.
These messages pressure recipients to download a mobile application or make immediate payments, with threats such as disconnection of water supply if the instructions are not followed.
Malhotra clarified that no such directive has been issued by the Municipal Corporation. She emphasised that the civic body does not require residents to download any specific application or share personal information through such means.
“In view of these fraudulent activities, a formal complaint has been lodged with the Cyber Crime Branch in Gurugram. We urge citizens not to respond to such calls or messages and definitely not to click on any links provided, as these may be phishing attempts,” said Mayor Malhotra. The mayor further stated that antisocial elements are attempting to mislead the public by misusing the name of the municipal corporation.
She reiterated that any official communication regarding digital services or mobile applications will be disseminated only through the Municipal Corporation’s official website, verified press releases, or announcements in local newspapers.
She warned that these fake messages aim to steal personal information, which could be misused for financial fraud or identity theft.
“Citizens have been advised to immediately report any suspicious communication to the Cyber Crime Helpline or their nearest police station,” she said. The mayor stressed the importance of public cooperation in tackling cybercrime and ensuring the safety of the community.