Cyber frauds have hit upon new idea to target gullible citizens. Now, they are targeting consumers of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). Fake SMSes are being sent to consumers, warning them of disconnection of power supply. Via SMSes, the fraudsters are flashing a mobile number appealing the recipient to call. Normally, people ignore such SMSes, but there are many who panic and follow the instructions mentioned in the SMS and fall victim to the fraud. MSEDCL, after receiving complaints, has alerted citizens to ascertain the authenticity of the SMS and clarified that no such message are being sent from their side. The consumers are advised not to respond to such fake messages, they have mentioned explicitly. Consumers have been getting an SMS informing about disconnection of power supply at 9.30 pm tonight due to non-update of last month's electricity bill. Also, the SMS has an appeal for such citizens to immediately contact on the mobile number mentioned in the SMS.

 

MSEDCL has clarified stating that the company does not send any such SMSes or WhatsApp messages. Such messages can be deceptive, and therefore MSEDCL advised consumers to verify the content and not to respond to such messages. MSEDCL sends ‘SMS’ through the system only to registered customers on their mobile number and its Sender ID is ‘MSEDCL’ (eg VM-MSEDCL, VK-MSEDCL). Thus, official message does not inform anyone to contact any official mobile number of any official. Information like appeal, date of meter reading and total number of units used, amount of electricity bill, due date, notice to disconnect power etc. are only communicated on the registered mobile number of the consumers.

 

The consumers should not respond to ‘SMS’ or WhatsApp messages or calls sent from different personal mobile numbers, even though they may be related to MSEDCL. In case a link is sent from a personal mobile number to pay the bill, people should safely ignore it altogether. Otherwise, there is a possibility of financial fraud, MSEDCL has clarified. Similarly, as a matter of abundant precaution, citizens should not respond to or reply to any SMS, call or payment link related to MSEDCL received from personal mobile number. In case of queries, the consumers should contact the Toll free number 1912, 18001023435 or 18002333435 or the nearest office of MSEDCL which are open 24 hours a day, stated MSEDCL in a press release.