Smart meter or water bill update link
A message asks you to update your meter or bill details through a link, which collects your card details or installs an app.
Community reports: 0
How it works
- An SMS says your electricity will be cut tonight, or your smart meter or water bill needs an urgent update, and gives a link or a number to call.
- The link, or the "officer" on the phone, asks you to pay a small amount, enter card details or install an app to "update" the meter.
- The card details are used to take money, or the app gives the scammer control of your phone and your bank account.
What it looks like
Example messages. Numbers and links are masked.
Dear Consumer, your electricity will be disconnected tonight at 9:30 pm as your previous bill was not updated. Call officer at 98XXXXXX10 immediately.
Your smart meter KYC is pending. Update now to avoid disconnection: meter-update-bill[.]in
Red flags
- Disconnection threatened for tonight
- Message from a personal mobile number
- A link that is not your board's own site
- Asked to install an app or pay Rs 10
- Pressure to act within hours
The one question to ask
Why would your electricity or water office send you a personal mobile number instead of a bill?
Already paid or shared details?
Switch off mobile data and Wi-Fi, uninstall any app they made you install, and call your bank on the number on your card to block cards and UPI. Change your banking and email passwords from a different phone. If any money has left, call 1930 at once.
1930 · cybercrime.gov.in
Also seen as
- Gas connection or pipeline bill disconnection
- Prepaid meter recharge "failed" message
- Water bill pending with a payment link