LPG Scam Alert: Be careful while taking delivery of gas cylinder, one WhatsApp message and your bank account will be empty.

News India Live, Digital Desk: If you also book gas cylinder sitting at home, then this news is very important for you. Scammers are now cheating people through fake messages and calls in the name of gas companies (HP, Indane, Bharat Gas). In this scam, customers are lured with ‘KYC update’ or ‘subsidy’ to take them into confidence. How does this ‘cylinder scam’ work? (Modus Operandi)Scammers are mainly using these two methods to commit fraud:Fake WhatsApp message: You will get a message saying that your gas connection has been closed due to non-updation of ‘KYC’. A link is given in the message and you are asked to update it immediately. Fake Delivery Call: As soon as you book your cylinder, you may get a fake call. The caller will introduce himself as an employee of the gas agency and say that your address is wrong or the payment has failed. They will ask you to download an ‘app’ or share a ‘delivery code’. How does your bank account become empty? (The Danger) As soon as you click on the fake link given or download the app suggested by the scammer, the control of your phone goes to them. Remote access app: Scammers often make you download apps like ‘AnyDesk’ or ‘TeamViewer’, through which they can see your banking password and OTP. Phishing link: As soon as you click on the link, a fake website opens where you are asked for bank details. 5 important precautions to avoid scams (How to Stay Safe) Use only the official app: Always book the cylinder through the official app of the gas agency (like IndianOil ONE) or their website. Do not click on unknown links: Do not open any suspicious link received on WhatsApp or SMS, no matter how important it may seem. Do not share OTP: The gas agency employee will never ask you for OTP or PIN of your bank. Go to the agency for KYC: If you think that your KYC is pending, then on the phone Instead of giving information, go to your gas agency for physical verification. Do not download unknown apps: Do not install any third-party app in your phone on the advice of anyone. Where to complain? If any cyber fraud happens to you, immediately call 1930 or register your complaint on cybercrime.gov.in, the official portal of the Government of India.