Electricity Bill Scam in Bengaluru: How It Works & How to Stay Safe

Quick summary

• •How it works: An SMS threatens power disconnection tonight unless you call a number and pay immediately.
• •Warning sign: SMS from a personal number
• •Warning sign: Threat of same-day disconnection
• •Warning sign: Asked to install an app or pay via link
• •Do this: Check bills only in the official discom app

How the electricity bill scam works

• —An SMS threatens power disconnection tonight unless you call a number and pay immediately.
• —Reports involving Bengaluru follow the same pattern; the brand or location only changes the disguise.

Warning signs

• —SMS from a personal number
• —Threat of same-day disconnection
• —Asked to install an app or pay via link

How to protect yourself

• —Check bills only in the official discom app
• —Never install apps from such messages
• —Call your provider’s official number

What to do if you are targeted

• —Stop — do not pay or share any OTP/PIN.
• —Call the cyber-fraud helpline 1930 within the golden hour.
• —File a report at cybercrime.gov.in with screenshots and transaction details.
• —Inform your bank to freeze/raise a dispute on the transaction.

Scam vs. legitimate: how to tell

Frequently asked questions

Official sources & helplines

• Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 — National cyber-fraud financial helpline — call within the "golden hour" to freeze fraudulent transfers.
• National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal — Official Government of India portal to report financial and other cybercrimes.