Mumbai cyber crime: Careful! Fraudsters using MGL gas bill to cheat you!

The fraudsters threaten disconnection of gas connection. REPRESENTATION PIC

Cyber fraudsters have found a new way to enter city households - cooking gas connections. In the past week alone, nearly a dozen cases of fraud targeting Piped Natural Gas (PNG) consumers have been reported. Police said such cases are now being registered almost daily across Mumbai, indicating a rapidly growing and organised cybercrime trend.

The fraud specifically targets users of Mahanagar Gas Ltd (MGL), particularly those accustomed to digital payments. Officials said the victims include professionals, senior citizens, and corporate employees. "Even educated users are getting trapped because the communication appears legitimate and urgent," an officer added.

Modus operandi

>> Target receives calls or WhatsApp messages claiming a nominal pending bill amount (usually R10-R12), and is warned of immediate disconnection
>> Fraudsters often cite global developments such as tensions between Iran and the US, suggesting a possible gas shortage
>> Target is then sent an APK file under the pretext of a "bill update"
>> Once installed, the malware gives criminals access to OTPs, banking credentials, and even remote control of the device, enabling rapid fund transfers within minutes

MGL advisory

Mahanagar Gas Ltd has issued a public advisory warning customers against fake messages and APK-based fraud. The company clarified that it does not ask users to download any application or share banking details for bill payments, and urged consumers to verify any such communication through official channels.

Police advisory

>> Do not download APK files or click on links from unknown sources
>> Use only official apps or websites for bill payments
>> Never share OTPs, bank details, or allow remote access to your device
>> Utility companies do not threaten immediate disconnection over minor dues
>> Victims can report cyber fraud by calling ‘1930' or lodging a complaint on the national cyber-crime portal

Case 1
In a case registered at Tardeo police station, a 54-year-old private employee was cheated of Rs 2.4 lakh after being told that Rs 13 was pending on his gas bill. The accused, posing as an MGL official, sent an APK file and siphoned off money through multiple transactions after gaining access to his phone.

Case 2
The Byculla police station registered a case after a 32-year-old woman lost over Rs 4.2 lakh. She received a WhatsApp message warning that her gas connection would be disconnected the same day and was asked to download an app titled ‘Mahanagar Gas Bill Update'. After entering her net banking details to pay Rs 13, multiple unauthorised transactions were carried out from her account.

Case 3
A 73-year-old retired government officer from Mulund lost R3.77 lakh after receiving a similar message about an unpaid gas bill. He was made to download an APK file and enter his debit card details, following which multiple transactions were executed within hours.

Case 4
In Navi Mumbai, two victims were duped of a total R15 lakh. Fraudsters posing as MGL officials sent APK files after claiming bill discrepancies, gaining remote access to victims' phones and siphoning off funds.