Amid the ongoing shortage of LPG cylinders for the past few days, cyber scams are on the rise. Under the pretext of booking LPG cylinders, scammers are targeting people and stealing their personal information. In view of this, the government has advised the public to remain alert. The government has said that scammers are luring people into their trap by spreading messages that create panic. It is very important to be careful in this matter. Let us understand what methods are used to trap people in LPG booking scams and what steps should be taken to protect yourself.
Warning issued about LPG booking scam
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center (I4C) has issued a warning regarding LPG booking scam. The warning states that scammers are luring people through urgent booking requests, discount offers or panic-inducing messages. Payments and personal information are being obtained illegally through fake links, mobile apps and QR codes.
How is the LPG booking scam being carried out?
The warning states that scammers are taking advantage of people’s fear over LPG shortage and spreading fake booking links. Users are being targeted through SMS, WhatsApp and social media advertisements. After this, payments and personal data are being extracted through fake websites, apps and QR codes.
How to protect yourself from LPG booking scam?
The government advises that LPG booking should *always* be done only through official websites or mobile apps.
Avoid clicking on any unknown link, APK file or QR code.
Never share your OTP, PIN or bank account information with anyone.
Don’t trust messages that try to create a false emergency situation.
Such scams have been going on for some time
Since the beginning of the conflict in Iran, there has been a disruption in the supply of LPG, leading to a shortage of LPG cylinders. In many cities, people have to stand in long queues to get cylinders. Scammers have become active and are trying to take advantage of this crisis. They are sending messages to people promising that “LPG will be delivered immediately as soon as payment is made.” In such scams, the criminals first take payment from the victims but do not deliver the cylinder until later. In view of this, LPG cylinder supplying companies have also issued alerts to the public. These companies have said that users should book only through official websites and apps.
