MUMBAI : The city’s piped gas consumers are being urged to stay alert after a sharp rise in cyber frauds involving fake gas bill notices and disconnection threats.Mahanagar Gas Ltd (MGL) on Wednesday issued a fresh advisory warning customers against fraudulent calls, SMSes and WhatsApp messages sent by individuals posing as company representatives.The warning comes in the wake of a major cyber scam that has targeted MGL consumers and applicants in recent months.More than 100 people in Mumbai were allegedly duped of nearly Rs 3 crore after fraudsters convinced them to download malicious APK files on their mobile phones.The files enabled remote access to devices, allowing criminals to steal banking information and siphon off money from accounts.According to MGL, scammers typically send messages claiming that a gas bill is pending or that the consumer’s gas connection is about to be disconnected.Recipients are then urged to click on suspicious links, install applications or share personal and banking details.The utility has clarified that it never asks customers to provide bank account information, debit or credit card details, passwords or OTPs through phone calls, text messages or WhatsApp.It also does not instruct consumers to download APK files or click on unknown links.Cyber experts advise consumers not to panic when receiving disconnection threats and to independently verify any communication.MGL has urged customers to use only official channels for bill-related queries and verification.Consumers who receive suspicious messages can contact MGL customer care on (022) 68674500 or (022) 61564500, or use the company’s verified WhatsApp number, +91 9899203843.Victims or potential targets of cyber fraud have also been advised to immediately report incidents to the National Cyber Crime Helpline – 1930 or lodge complaints on the cybercrime reporting portal.With online scams becoming increasingly sophisticated, a moment of caution could prevent a costly mistake.
