HMWSSB cautions consumers against Cyber fraudsters posing as Water Board representatives

The HMWSSB has warned consumers against cyber fraudsters impersonating its officials and sending messages regarding water bills, dues and disconnections. Consumers have been advised not to share sensitive information, download suspicious files, or grant remote access, and to use only official channels for bill payments.

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) on Monday warned consumers against cyber fraudsters posing as its representatives and contacting people over water bill updates, pending dues or threatening service disconnection.

HMWSSB managing director K Ashok Reddy said in an official release that consumers should not respond to calls, SMS or WhatsApp messages from unknown people asking them to download links or APK files.

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“They should neither install apps at their request nor grant screen-sharing or remote-access permissions,” he said.

Consumers should never share confidential information, including one-time passwords, UPI PINs, debit or credit card numbers, CVV codes and passwords. They should use only officially authorised channels to pay water bills or check billing details, he said.

Those noticing suspicious transactions should immediately contact their bank and take steps to secure their account or card. They should also report the matter to cybercrime authorities and preserve evidence, including messages, phone numbers, links and transaction details.

Ashok Reddy urged consumers not to assume every water bill message to be genuine and to verify doubtful communications through official sources before responding or acting. Investigative agencies would examine reported incidents, with further action depending on their findings, he added.