If you handle your electricity bill payments online, it’s crucial to be aware of a recent scam being employed by fraudsters to deceive people. Typically, electricity boards or suppliers notify customers about their monthly electricity bill amount and due date through SMS or WhatsApp messages.
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However, scammers are now exploiting this communication method by sending fake messages regarding unpaid electricity bills to defraud individuals
Several users took to Twitter and reported receiving such messages from unfamiliar numbers, claiming that their electricity connection will be suspended unless they immediately call a specified number.
Here are some steps to safeguard yourself against such scams and determine whether the message is fake or not:
Verify the source of the message – There is a clear distinction between personal and official phone numbers. Official messages from the electricity board or supplier usually come from recognised, official numbers.
Demand of an urgent action – Exercise caution if any message or caller (from an unknown number) urges you to take immediate action regarding your electricity bill payment. Scammers often create a sense of urgency or panic to prevent individuals from carefully considering the situation.
Pay attention to content – Scrutinise the message for spelling and grammatical errors, as well as any inconsistencies. Government notices from any department are usually well drafted and free of such errors and awkward punctuations.
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Reach out directly to the relevant department – If you have missed a payment or encounter suspicious communication, reach out directly to the electricity board or supplier using the official contact details provided on your previous bills.
