Kolkata Police Battle Rising Tide of Cooking Gas Cyber Frauds
Cyber frauds targeting basic utilities like cooking gas bookings are creating significant challenges for police and cybersecurity experts in Kolkata. Authorities confirm that scams related to gas bookings have emerged as the most frequently reported cyber crimes over the past six months.
How the Scam Operates
Victims typically encounter incorrect customer care numbers when searching for gas services on Google. These numbers lead directly to scammers who pose as legitimate gas service representatives.
Once connected, the fraudsters initiate WhatsApp video calls with their targets. They ask victims to share their phone screens during these calls. The scammers then guide users through a series of steps on their devices.
Police report that each cyber division currently handles two to three complaints monthly about this specific fraud scheme.The Payment Trap
During the video calls, fraudsters direct victims to open payment applications on their phones. They describe the transaction as a refund process or necessary payment to maintain service.
"The steps they provide actually transfer money from the victim's account to the scammer's account," explained a police officer familiar with these cases.
Pressure Tactics Used by Scammers
Fraudsters employ urgent threats to pressure victims into immediate action. They claim gas services will be disconnected unless payments are made right away.
"Someone calling and claiming to represent your gas provider might threaten immediate service cutoff without payment," said an officer. "This is always a scam. Legitimate utility companies provide advance notice of at least several weeks before disconnecting services."
The officer added that even broadband services allow customers reasonable time to address payment issues. Scammers deliberately create false urgency to prevent victims from verifying their claims.
"These criminals want to scare you into paying before you have time to confirm what they're telling you," the officer emphasized.
Growing Concern for Authorities
Police and cyber experts express increasing concern about these sophisticated fraud operations. The combination of fake online listings and real-time video manipulation makes these scams particularly effective.
Authorities urge residents to verify customer care numbers through official utility websites rather than search engine results. They recommend never sharing screen access or payment details during unsolicited video calls.
