After syphoning money from various sources, fraudsters have now turned their attention to power bills. Recent cases in the city show that fraudsters are contacting customers posing as Electricity Board employees and duping them under the guise of clearing pending bills or face power a cut.
According to cybercrime officials, the fraudster first sends a message to the targeted person’s mobile phone via SMS or WhatsApp. When the latter responds, they introduce themselves as employees of the local Electricity Board and inform the customer that the electricity bills have not been paid and that the power will be disconnected later that day or that night.
The fraudster then puts the target under extreme pressure by asking them to download an app that he suggests and shares a link for the transaction.
It was reported that they then tell the victim that they will call back later, but instead syphon money from the victim’s bank accounts. In the city, a few cases of people losing money to con men have already been reported.
In one case, a customer received a poorly written message from mobile number 9531039190 stating that the ‘electricity power will be disconnected 10.30 pm because your bill not updated contact electricity office 9064579675’.
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After dialing the number, a person called back and insisted on downloading an app which he suggested from Google Play Store and making payment. When the customer refused to download the app and instead requested more information, the call was immediately disconnected.
If an unsuspecting consumer downloads the link, the fraudster uses it to gain access to their bank account login credentials and withdraw money, according to a cybercrime official.
Cyber financial fraud can be reported immediately by calling 1930 (24*7). In addition, you can file a complaint with the nearest cyber police station.
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