Nagpur: The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has issued a public advisory cautioning electricity consumers against fraudulent messages demanding immediate bill payment. The power utility warned that cyber hackers are actively targeting customers and falling prey to such scams could result in bank accounts being emptied.
Fraudulent SMS Threaten Power Disconnection
With the bill recovery drive underway, several consumers have reported receiving fake messages claiming, “Your electricity bill is not updated and supply will be disconnected tonight. Contact immediately on the given mobile number.”
Officials said that if customers call these numbers, they are sent bogus payment links and asked to download software. This can lead to hacking of mobile phones or computers and siphoning of bank funds. Consumers have been urged to ignore such messages completely.
Only Registered Consumers Receive Official Alerts
MSEDCL clarified that it sends official SMS only to registered mobile numbers and strictly through sender IDs such as VM-MSEDCL, VK-MSEDCL, AM-MSEDCL, or JM-MSEDCL. The utility never asks consumers to contact any officer’s personal mobile number.
Official messages generally include information about scheduled maintenance, technical outages, monthly bill amounts, meter reading updates, due dates, or disconnection notices. For queries, consumers are advised to contact the 24x7 toll-free helpline or the nearest office.
How to Stay Safe from Power Bill Scams
- Do not click on suspicious payment links or download unknown software.
- Never share OTPs, mobile or desktop screens with anyone.
- Avoid contacting personal mobile numbers mentioned in such messages.
- Report fraud attempts at the nearest cyber police station, on the National Cyber Crime Portal (cybercrime.gov.in), or call helpline 1930.
For assistance, consumers may contact toll-free numbers 1912, 19120, 1800-212-3435, or 1800-233-3435.
MSEDCL reiterated that vigilance is key to preventing cyber fraud and ensuring secure electricity services.
