How electricity bill scammers target consumers:Expert tips and precautions to protect yourself from cyber fraud

Cyber fraudsters are adopting new methods of fraud every day. Recently, a new case of cyber fraud in the name of an electricity bill has come to light from Bulandshahr, UP. In this scam, fraudsters call/message posing as electricity department employees. They extort money by threatening to disconnect the electricity connection. However, with a little caution, we can avoid this scam. Therefore, in the ‘Cyber Literacy’ column today, we will talk about scams happening in the name of electricity bills. We will also know that- Expert: Rahul Mishra, Cyber Security Advisor, Uttar Pradesh Police Question- What is ‘Electricity Bill Scam’? Answer- This is a type of cyber fraud. In this, scammers contact people via phone, SMS or WhatsApp, posing as electricity department employees. They use intimidating language, such as- After this, they send fake links or make people download apps and then steal money from their accounts. Question- How do scammers defraud people in the name of electricity bills? Answer- Scammers exploit people’s fear. They create an atmosphere of quick action. Under the pressure of these two conditions, consumers fall victim to the scam. In most such cases, scammers obtain banking details through fake links or apps and then extort money. Understand this with a graphic- Question- Why do people fall for this scam? Answer- After such calls, many consumers panic and make mistakes in haste. This makes them victims of fraud. Consumer mistakes- Question – If a fake electricity app is downloaded by mistake, what damage can it cause? Answer – It can cause several damages. See in the graphic- Question- How to identify fake messages and calls? Answer- Scammers typically create an atmosphere of fear, pressure, and urgency by sending fake messages and making calls. Fake messages and calls can be identified by some common signs. See all signs in the graphic- Question- How to stay safe from such scams? What points should be kept in mind? Answer- For this, it is most important to be vigilant and not trust any call/message without verification. Do not click on any unofficial links. To avoid this scam, keep in mind some basic points given in the graphic- Question- What to do if you accidentally click on the link? Answer- The most important thing is not to panic in such a situation, immediately take some necessary steps- Important Questions-Answers Related to ‘Electricity Bill Scam’ Question- Does the electricity department ever send messages from a personal number? Answer- No, the electricity department does not send messages from personal mobile numbers. Official information is always provided through registered SMS ID, website, or authorized mail, letter, or call. Question- Does the electricity department send messages from a personal WhatsApp number? Answer- No, the electricity department does not contact via personal numbers on WhatsApp. If such a message comes, be alert, it could be a scam. Question- What is the correct way to check the electricity bill? Answer- To check the electricity bill, visit the official website or app. You can call the official customer care number. You can also get bill information at the nearest Jan Seva Kendra (Public Service Center). For this, you need to provide the electricity connection number. Question- If there is a suspicion of a scam, where and how should one complain? Answer- Immediately call the National Cyber Helpline number 1930 or file a complaint on the cybercrime portal cybercrime.gov.in. Also, inform the concerned electricity department. If necessary, also inform the nearest police station.