“Dear Customer Your Electricity power will be disconnected. Tonight at 9.30 pm from the electricity office. because your previous month’s bill was not updated. Please immediately contact our electricity officer 82603XXX42 Thank you.” Did you receive any such SMS or message on WhatsApp? If yes, then beware and DO NOT call on the number or click on any link attached to these messages.
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Many mobile users across the country are receiving messages that appear to be scams, containing phishing links. These messages are a tactic employed by scammers to create an urgent situation and deceive people into sharing sensitive information and stealing money.
What is electricity bill scam
In these types of online scams, fraudsters send fake text messages that appear to originate from official electricity departments. These messages allege that the recipient has unpaid bills and threaten immediate disconnection of power. This creates a sense of panic and urgency, coercing unsuspecting individuals into making hasty payments.
The messages are often cleverly crafted to appear legitimate, adding to the deceptive nature of the scam. Scammers may utilize official logos and language, and they may even include the recipient’s name and account number. This can make it difficult to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent messages.
As a result, many people have fallen victim to this scam, with scammers successfully draining the bank accounts of countless individuals across the country.
Reportedly, in one of the cases a victim reported that he received a phone call from a man claiming to be an official from the electrical department. The caller informed him that his electricity bill was due and that if it was not paid immediately, his power would be disconnected. When the victim asked how to pay the bill, the caller sent him a link to download the Teamviewer Quick support mobile app.
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As soon as the victim downloaded the app, the scammer gained access to his bank account and transferred all of his money, a total of Rs 4.9 lakh, to his own account.
How to stay safe
Be wary of unsolicited messages. If you receive a text message or email claiming that you have an unpaid electricity bill, do not respond or click on any links. Instead, contact your electricity provider directly using the phone number or website listed on your bill.
Do not make payments through links or phone numbers provided in unsolicited messages. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a payment request, contact your electricity provider directly to confirm the amount due and the correct payment methods.
Be aware of the warning signs of a scam. Scammers often use urgent language and threats of disconnection to create a sense of panic. They may also ask for personal information such as your bank account number or Social Security number. If you receive a message that contains any of these warning signs, it is likely a scam.
Keep your personal information confidential. Never share your personal information with anyone who contacts you unsolicited. This includes your name, address, phone number, bank account number, and Social Security number.
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Report suspected scams to your electricity provider and the authorities. If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, contact your electricity provider and the police immediately.
