Pune Water Scam Alert: PMC Warns of Fake SMS Asking for Bill Payment
Pune, 21st July 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a public advisory cautioning citizens against a surge in fraudulent messages falsely claiming that their water supply will be disconnected due to unpaid bills.
Since August 14, 2024, multiple residents across the city have reported receiving suspicious SMS alerts demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnection. The PMC clarified that these messages have not been issued by its Water Supply Department and are part of a scam.
“These messages are fake and should not be trusted,” stated a PMC official. “The civic body does not send such disconnection threats via SMS. We urge residents to stay alert and refrain from responding to unknown links or sharing personal details online.”
To prevent falling prey to such cyber frauds, the PMC has advised residents to rely solely on official communication channels for any updates or queries related to water tax:
Official Website: http://watertax.punecorporation.org
Virtual Assistant on WhatsApp: +91 88882 51001
PMC Helpline: 1800 103 2222
For issues related to meter readings, citizens are encouraged to directly approach the Water Supply Department’s meter reading division.
The civic administration also reminded citizens to avoid sharing their mobile numbers, bank details, or any personal data on unverified websites or messaging platforms.
“Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting essential service users. Awareness and vigilance are our best defence,” the official added.
