Electricity bill scam! Beware of the scammers asking for bill payment

Posted on: Aug 4, 2023 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Electricity bill scam! Beware of the scammers asking for bill payment

Electricity bill scams - Cyber Insurance

Cyber scams seem to be advancing day by day, with fraudsters regularly pulling out intimidating tricks from their pocket. People are reporting different kinds of cyber frauds on a daily basis, and among the many, electricity bill scam is being widely reported. Fraudsters have found a way of extracting personal details and money from victims by scamming them through their due electricity bills.

Every household has an electricity connection which has to be paid regularly. The fraudsters thus have numerous opportunities. They take advantage of the vulnerability of the common man, who they trick into paying the bills in order to continue availing of electricity connection.

You may have come across or heard about receiving an SMS or WhatsApp message regarding the due electricity bill. It may appear on your phone as "Dear customer, your electricity connection will disconnect by tonight. To avoid uninterrupted services, contact our electricity officer immediately on 84******79." If you have received any such message, beware, it is most likely a scam.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all about electricity bill fraud and how you can stay safe from it. Investing in cyber insurance in India can also be quite helpful in case of any cyber mishap.

Consequences of the Scam:

Cyber crimes can sometimes cause huge financial loss along with emotional trauma. Fraudsters have the tendency to manipulate and compel you to make payments and share details of your electricity connection. While the government, police, and various institutions are trying to spread awareness, many fall for these scams.

Some people have lost lakhs which then becomes quite tough to recover. Losing hard-earned money in a scam is something no one ever wants. So, it is very essential to be alert and stay safe from such scams by always cross-checking the SMS details. Having cyber insurance for family can also be helpful in coping with such losses.

How to Protect Yourself from this Scam?

Electricity bill scams have already targeted thousands of people. The most common reason is that, in most cases, these calls and messages can be quite convincing. So, how to protect yourself and your family from such a scam? Here are some of the tips regarding the same:

1. Cross-check the sender's details

When you receive an SMS or a WhatsApp text saying that your electricity bill is overdue, do not panic. Rather cross-check the details of the sender. Keep in mind that the electricity department never sends SMS from a personal number. So, if it is a personal number, check with the department immediately.

2. Check for the authenticity of the message

Most scammers are bad at English. Yes, if you carefully read the SMS, you can easily find punctuation and other grammatical and spelling errors. Computer-generated SMSs usually do not have any grammatical errors and are well-framed. So, before you begin to lose your cool, re-read the SMS. If you find it to be dubious, immediately contact the authorities.

3. Check with your electricity provider

You will know best if your electricity bill is due or not. Still, if you receive any SMS regarding the pending electricity bill amount, you must confirm it with your electricity provider. You can find the details on the state government’s official website and call them directly to know the details of your bill status.

4. The government never asks for personal details

Remember, government bodies, banks, and electricity departments do not for personal, account, or KYC details. So, if you receive an SMS/ call seeking any such information details, do not fall for it but check with your bank.

5. Do not share any detail

While some fraudsters may ask you to make a payment, some may simply ask for bank or KYC details. The best way to stay safe is to share no details unless you are sure of its authenticity.

6. Cyber insurance in India

A cyber insurance policy is there to help you and compensate you for the losses incurred in a cybercrime. So, even if you get scammed despite being careful, your insurance provider will help you recover from the financial trauma that has occurred. There are different types of cyber insurance policies available, for individuals and families as well. So, pick a plan that best suits your needs if you haven't yet invested in one.

Reporting and Recovering from the Scam:

Even after following adequate safety tips, there is a chance that you might fall for such a scam. In case you have been scammed by electricity bill fraud, do not panic. You still have the chance to recover your lost finances and details. You need to report the matter so that the authority can help you recover the lost amount.

Also, do not feel embarrassed to share the incident with the police as well as the concerned authorities. Taking timely action can not only help in recovering from the loss but also help in nabbing the fraudsters and saving many others from falling prey.

Take a look at the steps to follow when reporting an electricity bill scam:

1. The very first step is to contact your nearest police station and get the case registered. Make sure to collect a copy of the FIR so you can easily file an insurance claim

2. Next, you must inform your insurance provider, if you have cyber insurance in India

3. You can also reach out to the National Cyber Crime Cell, by calling on1930, which is a toll-free number, and report the matter

4. You may also write to the national crime department about the fraud

The police, along with the help of the National Cyber Crime Department, will look into the matter. If all goes well, the loss may be soon recovered. In case it is not, your insurance provider will compensate for the losses incurred. It is equally essential to invest in cyber insurance for family so everyone can be covered against such crimes.

Conclusion:

The first step towards staying safe from cyber crimes is being aware and alert. The government regularly shares guidelines about cyber security, so make sure you stay updated.

Remember NEVER to share details or make a payment when in panic. You need to keep in mind that, authorised institutions will always give you sufficient time to make payment. Also, by making payments on time, you can eliminate an alarm and not fall into such dupes.

In a time when cyber crimes are at an all-time high, purchasing cyber insurance in India is highly recommended. The right coverage will ensure overall protection in case of any cybercrime. Stay alert, stay safe.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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