Beware of Electricity Recharge Scams: BSPHCL Warns Consumers of Cyber Fraud

Have you received a message or call from the electricity department asking you to recharge for Rs 10 or a minimum amount for electricity updates? If yes, then be alert. This is a new trick of cyber thugs, who are trying to trap you in their net and withdraw a huge amount from your bank account.

For some time now, incidents of fraud in the name of the electricity department by cyber criminals have increased in various parts of the capital Patna and Bihar. Earlier, these thugs used to send links to consumers threatening to cut off electricity at night, which on opening used to withdraw a large amount from the account. Now they have adopted a new method. Electricity consumers are told through calls or messages that a minimum amount has to be recharged for electricity related updates. In this process, the thugs send an unknown link, clicking on which can empty the bank account of consumers.

BSPHCL CMD Mr. Pankaj Kumar Pal warned the consumers that the electricity department never demands such recharge. Information related to electricity such as consumption or balance is given only through the official website of the department, Suvidha app. He also clarified that if a consumer receives any such call or message, he should immediately be alert and not click on any unknown link.

Mr. Pal said that complaints of such incidents should be lodged immediately in the concerned local electricity office. The department has directed all the offices to prepare a list of these fake caller numbers so that action can be taken against cyber criminals.

In the last few months, incidents of such fraud have been reported from many parts of Bihar. Taking this seriously, Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited has started a comprehensive campaign to make consumers aware. The department is informing consumers about the changing methods of fraudsters through newspapers, social media, miking, and street plays. Along with this, it is being ensured by the department that consumers use only the official portal and app.