The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has issued a warning regarding fake SMS messages being sent in the name of its water supply department. These fraudulent messages claim that water supply will be cut off due to pending bills. The municipal corporation has urged citizens to ignore such messages and report them to the cyber police.
Currently, the PCMC is taking action against properties with overdue water bills by disconnecting water supply connections. The corporation also sends reminders via SMS and other means to inform residents about their outstanding bills. However, fake SMS messages are being circulated under the name of the water supply department from various mobile numbers. The public has been advised to disregard these messages.
Citizens have been instructed to report any suspicious messages to the nearest police station, the cyber police station, or the toll-free number 1903.
Details of the Fake SMSThe fake messages sent to residents of the city are reportedly from a "Devesh Joshi." The message reads, "Dear customer, due to non-payment of last month's bill, the water supply will be cut off at 9 p.m. Please contact the number below immediately."
Beware of APK FileSome of the fraudulent SMS messages also contain an APK file that is sent via WhatsApp. If downloaded, this file can steal sensitive information such as mobile data, bank account details, and passwords, leading to financial fraud.
The public has been advised to check the official website of the municipal corporation for information regarding pending water bills. Citizens should be cautious of such scams and report any incidents to the police.
Statements from AuthoritiesSandeep Doifode, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Pimpri-Chinchwad, said, “We are receiving complaints about fake SMS messages being sent in the name of the water supply department. Citizens should ignore these messages and refrain from contacting the numbers listed. If you encounter such messages, please report them to the police.”
Shekhar Singh, Commissioner and Administrator of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, said, "The corporation will provide information to the cyber police about the individuals sending these fake SMS messages."