Electricity Disconnection Tonight SMS Scam by SMS

How it looks by SMS, the red flags and what to do.

SMS scams lean on short, urgent lines and a shortened link. The message looks official because the sender name (header) is shaped to resemble a real organisation. Electricity Disconnection Tonight SMS Scam is one of the ways this shows up: A text says power will be cut tonight because the last bill was not updated, and asks you to call an officer. The aim is to get an app installed.

What electricity disconnection tonight sms scam looks like by SMS

• A shortened or oddly spelled link that does not match the real website.
• A request to call a number, install an app or share an OTP.
• Several near-identical messages arriving together from different senders.

The scammer sends the text to many numbers and picks a time of day that feels urgent, such as the late afternoon. The message carries an officer's name and a mobile number, and says that after the call your bill will be updated. Because electricity boards do cut connections for dues, many people believe it and do not remember paying every bill.

Red flags to check on the text message

• It names a specific time tonight for disconnection.
• It asks you to call a personal mobile number.
• The caller wants you to install a support app.
• You are asked to read out a code shown on your screen.
• The message asks for an OTP, PIN, card number or password.
• It threatens blocking, arrest, disconnection or a fine unless you act at once.

What to do

1. Do not call the number in the message.
2. Check your bill in the electricity board's official app or website, or the number printed on your bill.
3. Look at your last paid receipt or account history.
4. Paste the text into a scam checker (Safeavio Sentinel can check it) before you do anything else.
5. Report the sender on the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility) and block the number.
6. Delete the message and tell family members who may get the same text.

You can report suspicious SMS and calls on the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility) of the Department of Telecommunications.

If money or a code is already gone

1. If you installed an app, remove it and turn off screen sharing from settings.
2. Call 1930 immediately if any money moved.
3. Ask your bank through the card number to block cards and UPI.
4. Report on cybercrime.gov.in and change banking passwords from a clean device.

National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930; report at cybercrime.gov.in.

Safeavio Sentinel's scam check reads the pasted text and shows the signals: a same-night deadline, a personal number to call and a request for an app. Its phone scan lists installed apps and permissions, including apps from outside a store and remote-control style apps. It cannot read your electricity account or stop you installing an app, but it can help you notice and remove it.

Full guide: Electricity Disconnection Tonight SMS Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: phone call, WhatsApp.

Questions