ELECTRICITY BILL SCAM ALERT
Cybercriminals are sending fake electricity messages to panic users into clicking malicious links or making fraudulent payments.
⚠️ What Is the Electricity Bill Scam?
In this scam, fraudsters send alarming messages such as:
“⚠️ Urgent Notice: Your electricity will be disconnected tonight due to pending bill. Please call 9876XXXXXX to avoid outage.”
Or…
“Dear Customer, your electricity bill for this month is unpaid. Click the link to pay now and avoid disconnection: http://fakepaymentlink.in”
These messages create urgency and panic, forcing victims to act without verifying. Once victims click or call, they are either:
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Asked to install remote apps like AnyDesk
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Redirected to fake payment portals that steal debit/credit card data
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Convinced to transfer money via UPI or QR codes
💡 Real-Life Example
In 2024, a Delhi resident lost ₹35,000 after receiving a fake disconnection message from someone claiming to be from “Tata Power.” He clicked a link, entered his bank details, and within minutes, the money was gone. The message looked authentic but was completely fake.
🕵️♂️ How to Identify the Scam
🚩 You receive messages from unknown mobile numbers, not official power providers
🚩 The messages include threats of immediate disconnection
🚩 You’re asked to call a private number or click a suspicious-looking link
🚩 Payment is requested via UPI ID, QR code, or fake payment portals
🚩 The messages often contain grammatical errors and lack formal tone
🔐 How to Protect Yourself
✅ Only pay bills through official websites or mobile apps of electricity providers like BESCOM, TANGEDCO, BSES, Tata Power, etc.
✅ Do not call or reply to unknown numbers
✅ Never click on links in SMS/WhatsApp without verifying
✅ If you’re unsure, contact your electricity board’s customer care directly using verified contact details
✅ Report suspicious numbers or links to your electricity provider or https://cybercrime.gov.in
✅ Warn family members, especially elders, who may panic and act quickly
🧯 Already Fell for It? Here’s What to Do
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Block the scammer’s number immediately
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Uninstall any apps you were asked to install
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Change your banking passwords & PINs
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Call your bank to report and freeze the account/cards
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File a complaint at https://cybercrime.gov.in or your nearest police station
🔎 Final Advice
These scammers thrive on panic and urgency. The moment you feel rushed or threatened with consequences like power disconnection, pause and verify. Official electricity boards will never threaten or demand payments over WhatsApp or private links. Stay alert, stay protected.
