Delhi Police issues advisory, warns public of cyber fraud amid LPG shortage concerns

It warned that scammers are spreading panic and using deceptive messages and calls to trick individuals into sharing sensitive information or installing malicious applications.

In an advisory shared on social media, police said that fraudsters are circulating suspicious links and impersonating gas agency representatives in an attempt to steal personal and financial details, according to the PTI.

According to officials, cyber criminals may contact residents claiming to represent gas agencies and insist that immediate verification or registration is required to secure an LPG cylinder. Victims are often urged to click on links or download files sent through messaging platforms, the news agency reported.

Once users interact with these links, scammers may gain access to personal data or banking information, potentially leading to financial losses.

Warning against malicious APK files

Police specifically warned citizens not to download files with the “.apk” extension, which are Android application packages capable of installing software directly onto smartphones.

Such files may contain malware that can compromise devices and allow criminals to access confidential information, including passwords, banking credentials and one-time passwords (OTPs). This access could enable fraudsters to siphon money from victims’ bank accounts, police said.

Verify information through official channels

The police have advised citizens to verify LPG-related information only through official LPG agency platforms and to avoid sharing personal or financial details with unknown callers.

Residents are also encouraged to report suspicious calls, links or messages immediately to cybercrime helplines or the nearest police station in order to prevent potential fraud.

Opposition urge Centre to take steps to address 'shortage' of LPG cylinders

Meanwhile, the Opposition parties on Friday urged the Centre to take immediate steps to address the alleged shortage of LPG cylinders in several parts of the country, even as the ruling alliance leaders backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused the opposition of misleading the public over the issue, reported the PTI.

The reactions came a day after PM Modi hit out at those "creating panic" over the LPG situation and asked state governments to enhance monitoring to curb black-marketing and hoarding of cylinders, the news agency reported.

(with PTI inputs)