Ignore fake messages asking for bill money: MSEDCL

Nagpur: State owned power distribution company MSEDCL has warned consumers not to fall pray to fake SMSs sent from private numbers asking them to pay the bills through a link provided in the message.
A press release by the MSEDCL says that lately cases of consumers getting cheated through such modes have come to fore. The release clarifies that the MSEDCL does not send any message to its consumers from any private number. Neither the private number of any of its officials are shared for purposes like paying bills.
Lately consumers have got messages from private numbers that their power supply would be disconnected if the dues are not paid. A number is provided or a link is sent asking the consumers to download for paying the dues. Those who do it, swallow the bait and their accounts are hacked, the release said.
MSEDCL has clarified that messages to the consumers are sent through its own sender ID like VM-MSEDCL or VK-MSEDCL.
The MSEDCL does send messages to inform consumers about disruption in supply due to maintenance or other technical reasons, the bill amount units consumed or due date. Even information about disconnection is sent but not through any private number said the release.
The MSEDCL has asked consumers to ignore such messages or contact helpline number at 1912, 18001023435, 18002333434 or file complaint at cybercrime.gov.in portal.