All throughout the nation, a large number of mobile users are getting messages that seem to be fraudulent and include phishing URLs. Scammers use these messages as a ruse to make people believe there is an emergency, trick them into giving over personal information, and steal money.
“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.
What Is Electricity Bill Scam?
These internet scams involve the sending of fictitious text messages pretending to be from legitimate electrical authorities. These texts threaten to immediately cut off electricity and claim the receiver owes money. This instills a sense of stress and hurry, forcing people to make hurried payments.
The emails are frequently expertly written to seem authentic. Scammers could use official language and emblems; they might even use the account number and name of the receiver. This might make it challenging to discern between communications that are false and those that are real.
As a result, a large number of people have fallen for this scam and victims have been successful in emptying the bank accounts of numerous people nationwide.
One of the victims said that he received a call from a guy posing as an electrical department official in one of the incidents. The caller warned him that his power would be off if he did not pay his electricity bill on time. The caller offered the victim a link to download the Teamviewer Quick assistance mobile app when he inquired about how to pay the bill. The fraudster had access to the victim’s bank account as soon as he downloaded the app, and he immediately moved all of the victim’s funds—a total of Rs 4.9 lakh—to his own account.
How To Stay Safe Of Electricity Bill Scam
- Unwanted texts should be avoided. Do not reply or click on any links in an email or text message stating to be from someone who is trying to collect money for an overdue power bill. Instead, use the phone number or website provided on your statement to get in direct contact with your power supplier.
- Payments should never be made via phone numbers or websites found in unsolicited messages. To verify the amount owed and the appropriate payment options, get in touch with your power supplier immediately if you have any doubts regarding the validity of a payment request.
- Recognize the warning signs of fraud. In order to instill fear, scammers frequently use urgent language and threats of disconnection. Personal information like your Social Security number or bank account number could also be requested. Any of these red flags indicate that the communication you are receiving is probably a fraud.
- Don’t provide any personal information. Never give out your personal details to strangers who reach out to you. Name, address, phone number, bank account number, and Social Security number are all part of this.
- Notify the police and your electrical provider about any suspected schemes. Get in touch with the authorities and your power supplier right away if you think you’ve been duped.
