Electricity bill KYC scam: Telecom department may disconnect 30,000-plus mobile numbers

In a move to curb a growing cyber threat, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed blocking of 392 mobile handsets across India. These handsets were identified as being used in the Electricity KYC update scam.

How the electricity KYC update scam works
The scam involves fraudsters contacting citizens through SMS and WhatsApp messages, posing as representatives of electricity providers.

These messages urge recipients to update their KYC (Know Your Customer) information to avoid electricity disconnection. The messages often contain malicious links or request personal details, which scammers then exploit for financial gain.

The DoT’s action comes after a surge in complaints received through the ‘Chakshu’ platform, a government initiative allowing citizens to report suspected fraudulent communications. Acting on these reports, the DoT utilized AI-powered analysis on the ‘Chakshu’ portal to identify a network of fraudulent activity. This analysis revealed a connection between 392 mobile handsets and over 31,740 mobile numbers implicated in the scam.

On the basis of these findings, DoT asked the telecom companies to block the identified mobile numbers and handsets across the country.

Tips to stay safe from electricity KYC update scam

• Don’t click on links or download attachments in messages claiming to be from your electricity provider.
• Never share personal information like bank details, OTPs, or account numbers through text messages.
• Contact your electricity provider directly through their official website or phone number if unsure about a message.
• Look for official communication channels like your electricity provider’s website or social media pages for updates about KYC procedures.
• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for your online electricity accounts.