Electricity Bill Fraud Alert: Don’t Click Suspicious Links Claiming Unpaid Dues
Fraudsters are sending fake SMS/WhatsApp messages about unpaid electricity bills. Here’s how to spot them and protect yourself.
Pune, October 16, 2025: A new wave of electricity bill fraud has spread across India, with scammers using fake messages to deceive citizens into sharing sensitive banking details or making fraudulent payments. These messages, often sent via SMS or WhatsApp, falsely claim that a consumer’s electricity bill has not been paid and threaten immediate power disconnection if action is not taken.
Cybercrime experts reveal that such scams are carefully designed to trigger panic and urgency. Victims typically receive a message that reads something like, “Your electricity connection will be disconnected tonight. Please pay immediately by clicking the link below.” The link redirects to a fake website that looks similar to official power utility portals. Once a user enters their bank details, OTP, or UPI information, the fraudsters quickly drain their accounts.
Officials have warned that the messages are part of a large-scale phishing campaign. The fraudsters use ordinary mobile numbers instead of official sender IDs and exploit social media or messaging platforms to reach unsuspecting users. These scams have become increasingly frequent in cities like Pune, Mumbai, and Delhi, where digital bill payments are common.
The tell-tale signs of these fraudulent messages include grammatical errors, unverified URLs, and pressure tactics such as “last warning” or “connection termination tonight.” Cyber experts stress that legitimate electricity providers never send payment reminders via private numbers or ask consumers to install apps from unknown sources. Genuine messages are always sent through verified government or company IDs, and payment links are hosted on secure domains (https://).
There have been several instances of citizens losing large sums of money due to such scams. In one case, a Pune resident lost ₹75,000 after entering his account details on a fake electricity bill website. The victim realized the fraud only when multiple unauthorized UPI transactions were detected within minutes. Law enforcement agencies have since issued public advisories urging people to avoid clicking unverified links and to report such messages immediately.
Experts recommend a few key safety measures to stay protected:
Always verify outstanding bills directly on the official electricity provider’s website or app instead of relying on messages. Contact the customer service helpline listed on your previous bill if you receive a suspicious message. Never share PINs, OTPs, or passwords with anyone, and immediately report fraudulent activity to your bank and the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930).
This scam highlights the growing sophistication of digital financial frauds in India, where scammers exploit public trust in online payments. As digital transactions expand, authorities emphasize the importance of cyber awareness and vigilance. Simple caution—such as avoiding impulsive clicks and verifying message authenticity—can prevent significant financial loss.
Cyber experts also advise consumers to install verified anti-phishing and mobile security apps, keep software updated, and educate family members, especially senior citizens, about common online scams. Awareness, they say, remains the strongest defense against such frauds.
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