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Utility phishing

Electricity Bill Disconnection Scam

An SMS says your electricity will be cut tonight because last month’s bill was not updated, and gives an “officer” number to call. On the call, you are asked to pay a small amount or install a screen-sharing app, which is used to empty your account.

if you got this

Treat it as a scam until you check. Don’t click, pay or share a code. Do not call the number in the message.

Check my message with KavalFree to start. Nothing to install.

what it looks like

Forwarded

Dear Consumer, your electricity power will be disconnected tonight at 9:30 PM because your previous month bill was not updated. Please contact our electricity officer immediately: 98xxxxxx21

Nobody wants the lights to go off at night, and the amount asked is small. The threat and the short deadline stop people from checking.

red flags

  • A personal mobile number to call, instead of your board’s official helpline
  • A same-day deadline, often “tonight at 9:30”
  • Asks you to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Quick Support or an app from a link
  • No consumer number, or a generic “Dear Consumer”
  • Sent from an ordinary 10-digit number, not your board’s registered sender ID

if it’s happening now

  1. Do not call the number in the message.
  2. Check your bill in your electricity board’s official app or website, typed yourself, or on the bill itself.
  3. If you are worried, call the helpline printed on your paper bill.
  4. If you installed a screen-sharing app or paid, call your bank now and uninstall the app.
Already clicked, paid or shared something?

Don’t

  • Do not install any app the caller asks for.
  • Do not share OTPs or your screen with a “lineman” or “officer”.
  • Do not pay a small “update fee” through a link.

Save this evidence

  • Screenshot of the SMS
  • The number you were asked to call
  • Call log and any payment details

Stop it happening again

  • Pay bills only through your board’s app, website or a trusted UPI app’s bill payment section.
  • Tell older relatives: the electricity board never asks you to install an app to avoid disconnection.

questions people ask

Do electricity boards send disconnection SMS from mobile numbers?

Real bill alerts come from your board’s registered sender ID, not a personal number, and never ask you to call an officer or install an app.

I installed the app the caller asked for. What do I do?

Disconnect from the internet, uninstall the app, call your bank to block cards and UPI, change your banking passwords from another device, and report on 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.

Last reviewed 25 September 2026.