Cyber Fraud Alert: Fake Water Bill Messages Sent In PMC’s Name To Scam Citizens; Public Warned Against Clicking Suspicious Links
Pune, 17th April 2025: Following similar scams involving Maharshtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) and Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL), cyber fraudsters have now turned their attention to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) consumers. Fraudulent messages are being circulated, claiming that citizens have pending water tax dues and warning that their water connection will be disconnected at night unless payment is made immediately through a link provided in the message.
However, municipal officials have confirmed that the PMC does not send such messages. Nandkishor Jagtap, Head of PMC’s Water Supply Department, has urged citizens to report any such fraudulent messages directly to the corporation’s helpline.
The scam is part of a wider cybercrime trend where citizens receive messages in the name of government offices, falsely claiming unpaid dues to trick them into entering sensitive banking information. Similar attempts were made in the past using the names of MSEDCL and MNGL, which led to financial losses for several individuals who fell for the trap.
The PMC typically sends reminders about unpaid water bills every March, ahead of the 31st March deadline. Cybercriminals are exploiting this timing to lend credibility to their fake notices, threatening citizens with water disconnection to create panic and push them into making hurried payments via suspicious links.
Alert citizens have already notified PMC’s Water Supply Department about such messages. In response, officials have warned the public not to click on any links in unsolicited messages and to verify any payment requests through official channels.
If any such message is received, citizens are advised to contact the PMC via the chatbot number 8888251001, the toll-free call center at 18001032222, or speak directly with the designated meter reader for their area. The municipal body emphasizes the importance of staying alert to avoid falling victim to these cyber fraud attempts.
