What it looks like
"Dear consumer, your electricity will be disconnected tonight at 9:30 PM as your previous bill was not updated. Call electricity officer immediately." (Illustrative)
How the electricity bill disconnection scam works
- You get an SMS or WhatsApp from a personal mobile number saying power will be cut tonight.
- When you call, a person claiming to be from the electricity board says your bill or KYC is pending.
- They ask you to pay a small amount through a link, or install an app to 'update' it.
- The app gives them remote control of your phone or reads your OTPs.
- They empty your bank account or wallet.
Red flags
- Message from a regular 10-digit mobile number, not your utility's official sender
- Threat of disconnection the same night
- Asking you to call a personal number
- Request to install an app or share your screen
- Asking for a small payment by link, card details or OTP
What to do
- Do not call the number. Check your bill status on your power company's official app, website or office.
- If you installed an app, uninstall it, disconnect from the internet and call your bank to block accounts.
- Report at once: call 1930 (National Cyber Fraud Helpline) or file at cybercrime.gov.in. Speed matters, because reports help freeze money in transit.
- Report the SMS or WhatsApp on Sanchar Saathi's Chakshu facility.
Protect your family
Tell parents: the electricity board does not send disconnection warnings from personal numbers or ask for apps. Keep their consumer number and official app handy.
Also known as: electricity KYC scam, power cut tonight SMS, unpaid electricity bill message
Questions people ask
Is the 'electricity will be disconnected tonight' SMS real?
No. PIB Fact Check has called such notices fake and said the Ministry of Power did not issue them.
How do I check my real electricity bill status?
Use your distribution company's official website or app with your consumer number, or visit your local electricity office.
I installed an app the caller sent. What now?
Uninstall it, turn off mobile data, call your bank to block cards and UPI, change passwords from another device, and report at 1930.