Ratia/Fatehabad, December 2: Cyber ??fraud cases have increased recently in the name of electricity bills. Common citizens are being threatened with "outstanding bills" and are being sent fake links, which, upon clicking, result in the loss of their hard-earned money. Superintendent of Police, Mr. Siddhant Jain, IPS, has taken this increasing fraud case seriously and has warned citizens at the district level and issued a special cyber advisory.
How the fraud is happening:
• People are receiving messages via SMS, WhatsApp, or calls stating, "Your electricity bill is pending. Pay today or your connection will be disconnected."
• A fake link or mobile number is provided.
• Upon clicking the link, the person is directed to a fake website or malware-laden app that resembles the official website of the electricity department.
• They are asked to enter bank details, OTP, and UPI PIN. They go and siphon off the entire amount from the account.
Police Advisory:
Superintendent of Police Mr. Jain has issued the following recommendations to protect citizens from fraud:
1. Never click on links received on your mobile phone, even if the message appears genuine.
2. Only obtain information related to bill payment from the official website/app of the electricity department (such as UPPCL, TNEB, MSEB).
3. Never share any OTP, debit card information, or UPI PIN with anyone over the phone.
4. If you receive such a suspicious message or call, immediately call the cyber helpline number 1930 or file a complaint at the nearest cyber police station.
Need for special vigilance:
Mr. Jain stated that senior citizens, rural residents, and those less technologically savvy are most affected by this type of fraud. Therefore, younger family members have been urged to inform the elderly in their homes and those around them about this fraud.
Police Appeal in Public Interest:
"Prevention against cyber crime lies in your vigilance." "Do not click on any unknown links. If you receive any suspicious calls, messages, or links, immediately inform the police."