Cybercriminals exploit LPG shortage fears with fake gas booking ads

Cybercrime officials have warned that fraudsters are exploiting public concerns over LPG cylinder shortages by running fake advertisements offering immediate gas delivery. Citizens have been urged to book cylinders only through official platforms and avoid sharing financial details online.

Hyderabad: Cybercriminals are exploiting the concerns of citizens over the reported shortage of cooking gas cylinders by targeting people searching online for gas bookings in panic.

According to cybercrime officials, there have been instances where fraudsters are running fake advertisements on social media promising immediate delivery of LPG cylinders or additional cylinders.

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Victims are contacted through WhatsApp messages and SMS containing links to fake websites. “These platforms often ask users to make advance online payments while assuring urgent gas supply, which authorities warn is a clear sign of cyber fraud,” officials said.

Cybercrime authorities have advised citizens not to click on suspicious links or respond to such offers and requested consumers to book cylinders only through the official websites or authorised agencies of gas companies.

People have also been cautioned never to share sensitive information such as bank details, OTPs, UPI PINs or passwords with unknown individuals.

Entering personal or financial details on fraudulent websites could allow cybercriminals to access bank accounts and steal money, they warned.

Anyone who has fallen victim to such frauds should immediately contact the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or lodge a complaint on the official cybercrime portal: cybercrime.gov.in.