Fraudsters Dupe Elderly Man Of 3 Lakhs In Fake Electricity Bill Scam: Full Details
A 77-year-old physician recently fell victim to an online scam, resulting in a loss of approximately Rs 3 lakh. The scam targeted the elderly doctor by posing as a representative from the electricity provider and alleging outstanding bills.
Here’s a breakdown of the fake electricity scam and how individuals can protect themselves from such schemes.
What is the fake electricity scam?
The fake electricity bill scam is a deceptive tactic used by scammers to trick individuals into believing they have unpaid electricity bills. They then pressure victims into making immediate payments to avoid service disconnection. This scam typically involves the following elements:
Fake messages: Scammers send text messages, emails, or make phone calls, claiming to represent the victim’s electricity provider. These messages often use urgent language and threaten to disconnect the electricity service if immediate payment is not made.
Fake links or phone numbers: The messages contain links or phone numbers for victims to “make a payment” or “contact customer service.” However, these links or numbers are not legitimate and are designed to steal personal information or financial details.