Cyber Fraud in Mumbai: Over ₹2.7 Crore Stolen as Scammers Exploit Gas Supply Fears
'Pay Bills Or No Gas From Tonight': How Scammers Duped Mumbaikars Amid West Asia Crisis
News 18
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More than 100 residents of Mumbai have lost approximately ₹2.7 crore (around $325,000 USD) in a cyber scam where fraudsters impersonated gas company officials. Victims were threatened with immediate disconnection of gas services unless they paid their bills, leading to the installation of malware that compromised their banking information.
- 01Over 100 Mumbaikars were scammed out of ₹2.7 crore.
- 02Scammers posed as officials from Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL).
- 03Victims were threatened with gas disconnection unless payments were made immediately.
- 04Fraudsters used the ongoing Middle East conflict to create panic.
- 05Authorities advise against downloading unknown files and to verify messages with official agencies.
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In a significant cyber fraud incident, more than 100 residents in Mumbai have been duped of approximately ₹2.7 crore (around $325,000 USD) by scammers posing as officials from Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL). The fraudsters sent SMS and WhatsApp messages claiming that the victims' gas bills were overdue and threatened immediate disconnection if payments were not made. Victims were instructed to download a malicious mobile application, which allowed the scammers to gain remote access to their phones and steal sensitive banking information. The scam was exacerbated by fears of gas supply disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which the fraudsters exploited to lend credibility to their threats. Authorities are urging citizens to refrain from downloading unknown files and to verify any such messages with official gas agencies to prevent further incidents.
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This scam has caused significant financial loss to residents, highlighting the vulnerability of individuals to cyber fraud, especially during crises.
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