Fake gas bill scam: A WhatsApp message cost ₹3.54 lakh, here's how to protect your money

The incident highlights how regular services like gas, electricity, and mobile bills are being used by cybercriminals to target customers and access their bank accounts.

According to the report, the victim received a WhatsApp message in April claiming to be from Mahanagar Gas, warning that his gas connection would be disconnected by the night if an outstanding bill was not cleared.

Soon after, he received a call from an unknown person who claimed to help him resolve the issue. The caller allegedly asked him to download a mobile application, enter his customer number and make a small payment of ₹10 through the app.

Although the victim downloaded the application, he did not make the payment. A few days later, he received email alerts about unauthorised transactions from his bank accounts. After checking his statements, he realised that his mobile phone had been compromised.

Police said the fraudsters allegedly transferred ₹3.54 lakh from his bank accounts. The victim later approached the National Cyber Helpline at 1930 and filed a complaint. Further investigation is underway.

How fake utility bill scams work

• Fake customer care calls

• Malicious mobile applications

• Fraudulent payment links

• Requests for banking details or OTPs

• How to protect your money

• Do not download apps shared by unknown callers or messages.

• Never share OTPs, UPI PINs or banking passwords with anyone.

• Check bills only through official company websites or apps.

• Avoid making payments through links received on WhatsApp or SMS.

• Report suspicious financial activity immediately to your bank and the cyber helpline.