A Chandigarh resident has lost ₹4.13 lakh after falling victim to a fraudulent payment demand tied to a bogus Adani Gas bill, police said on Saturday. The complaint was lodged at the Sector 17 cybercrime police station, and investigators have recorded several similar incidents across the city this month.
Pattern of scams, growing losses
Police records indicate that authorities have received 15 similar complaints in the current month, with each victim reportedly losing at least ₹1 lakh. The total monetary loss from these cases has reached ₹36.59 lakh, according to official figures.
According to the sequence described in the FIRs and preliminary enquiries, the frauds typically begin with an SMS or WhatsApp message warning the recipient that their gas connection would be disconnected unless an overdue payment was settled immediately. The message includes a link to download an application package (an APK file) that pretends to be a payment platform or utility app.
When victims install the APK, the file purportedly grants fraudsters remote access to the device. Investigators say this access is then used to intercept banking credentials, one-time passwords (OTPs) and other sensitive information to transfer funds out of the victims' accounts.
How the scam works and police advice
Chandigarh police stress that legitimate utility firms do not send direct links asking customers to download apps through text messages. Investigating officers also outlined practical steps residents should follow to avoid becoming victims:
- Do not click on links or download applications from unsolicited SMS or WhatsApp messages.
- Install apps only from recognised sources such as the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
- If you receive a disconnection notice, verify the bill status directly via the official website or the company’s customer care number before taking action.
- Never share passwords, UPI PINs or OTPs with anyone, and refuse screen-sharing or remote-access requests from unknown callers.
| Month | Number of reported cases | Total reported loss |
|---|---|---|
| August | 15 | ₹36.59 lakh |
| Latest single case | 1 | ₹4.13 lakh |
Investigations and public response
The complaint in the Sector 44A matter has been registered for investigation under relevant cybercrime provisions. Police said they are tracing the origins of the malicious APK and examining telecommunication records to identify the perpetrators and any digital trails leading to payment destinations.
Officials reiterated that many such frauds exploit panic tactics, including threats of immediate disconnection, to prompt quick action. Investigators warned residents that acting under duress increases the likelihood of compromising device security and financial information.
What victims should do now
Authorities advised residents who suspect they may have been targeted to take the following steps without delay:
- Disconnect the device from the internet and avoid further use until checked by a trusted technician.
- Contact the bank immediately to block affected cards and notify the institution of unauthorised transactions.
- File a complaint at the nearest cybercrime police station and preserve any messages, screenshots and transaction records as evidence.
Cybercrime investigators cautioned that while technology can help detect and prevent many threats, user vigilance remains a critical line of defence. The police said they will continue public awareness drives and co-ordinate with service providers to limit the spread of malicious files and stop fraudulent payment flows.
The Sector 17 cybercrime unit is conducting enquiries into the newly reported case and monitoring similar complaints in the city. Further updates will be issued as investigations progress and more information becomes available.
