Hyderabad police warn public against cyber fraud linked to LPG connection KYC updates

Hyderabad Police have warned the public to remain alert against cyber fraud being carried out under the pretext of gas connection KYC updates and emergency gas bookings.

Officials said cyber criminals are taking advantage of concerns over LPG cylinder availability to trick people into sharing sensitive information and transferring money.

Police said fraudsters are sending links through WhatsApp or SMS asking customers to update KYC details and are also circulating APK files that victims are asked to download on their mobile phones. Once installed, these applications give fraudsters control over the device and allow them to intercept bank OTPs and confidential messages.

Officials cited a recent incident in Dombivli in Maharashtra where two women were cheated after fraudsters posed as representatives of a gas company and asked them to update their connection details. After the victims downloaded an APK file and entered their information, about ₹4 lakh was withdrawn from their bank accounts.

Police advised the public to rely only on official applications and websites of authorised gas companies for bookings or KYC updates and warned people not to share bank details, OTPs or UPI PINs with unknown callers. Victims of cyber fraud have been asked to immediately contact the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or file a complaint on the government portal.