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| Fraudsters exploit LPG shortage rumours | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 17: Taking advantage of the prevailing panic and uncertainty fuelled by rumours of a possible LPG shortage amid tensions linked to the reported conflict between Iran and the United States–Israel alliance, cyber fraudsters have begun targeting unsuspecting consumers by posing as officials updating customer records to ensure uninterrupted gas supply.
According to reports, several LPG consumers have received suspicious messages on their mobile phones claiming that their LPG payment is pending and warning that gas supply will be discontinued if the amount is not paid immediately.
In one such case, an unsuspecting customer clicked on the link attached to the message. This reportedly led to the compromise of the person’s mobile phone, triggering multiple unauthorized payment withdrawal requests from the victim’s bank account. The individual’s WhatsApp account was also hacked in the process.
Sources said the fraudsters are circulating messages such as “LPG KYC pending,” “Aadhaar link pending for LPG cylinder,” or “Immediate payment required to continue LPG supply,” along with malicious links designed to steal personal and financial information.
This is not the first such attempt by cyber criminals to exploit public fears. Earlier, fraudsters had circulated a fake mobile application in the name of the Jal Shakti Department, targeting citizens who typically clear their annual water bills before March 31.
According to officials, several people fell victim to that scam after installing a malicious application titled “JalShakti.apk,” which was widely shared through WhatsApp and other social media platforms. Victims reportedly lost money and sensitive personal data after downloading the fake application.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police Cyber Crime Wing had subsequently issued a public advisory cautioning citizens against downloading or installing any application received through private messaging platforms claiming to be linked with the Jal Shakti Department.
Police have once again urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing personal and banking details with unknown sources. |
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