Following reports of fraudulent text messages warning Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) consumers of electricity supply discontinuation due to unpaid bills, the utility clarified that these messages are fake. BESCOM emphasized that it does not demand bill payments through text messages. The company has taken the matter to the cybercrime police for investigation.
The fraudulent messages falsely claimed that electricity supply would be disconnected for non-payment of the previous month’s bill and urged consumers to contact a specified number for immediate resolution. BESCOM shared one such message, urging consumers not to fall victim to such scams.
BESCOM assured consumers that neither its sub-divisional office nor bill collectors send text messages demanding payment. The utility acknowledged that consumers, fearing disconnection, have been making online payments and getting deceived. To counter this, BESCOM has alerted consumers through its social media accounts and requested them to pay bills only through authorized channels, such as BESCOM counters, Bengaluru One, BESCOM Mitra App, Google Pay, PhonePe, or the BESCOM portal.
Consumers were also advised to call the BESCOM helpline (1912) or the Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) if they receive suspicious messages. The utility emphasized that consumers should not respond to text messages regarding billing and urged them to report such instances promptly. Regular consumer interaction meetings are conducted to address concerns and provide awareness.
