Water Board Scam Alert: Hyderabad Residents Alerted Over Water Board Cyber Fraud Scam

Water Board Scam Alert: Cyber crime officials in Hyderabad have issued a fresh warning to residents after a rise in fraud cases involving criminals impersonating Water Board representatives. Authorities say scammers are targeting consumers through phone calls, WhatsApp messages and SMS alerts, creating panic by claiming that water connections may be disconnected.

According to Cyberabad Cyber Crime DCP T Sai Manohar, the fraudsters are using different excuses such as meter updates, pending bill verification and CAN authentication requirements to gain the trust of consumers. Victims are often told that immediate action is required to avoid disruption of water services.

Once the conversation begins, the scammers ask users to install remote access applications or APK files on their mobile phones. In some cases, people are instructed to download support tools and make small payments ranging from a few rupees to complete the supposed verification process.

Officials explained that after these applications are installed, fraudsters gain access to sensitive information on the victim’s device. Some victims have reported unusual mobile phone activity, blank screens and unauthorized access during the process. In certain cases, criminals even guide users through video calls while instructing them to open banking and UPI applications.

Investigators found that many victims unknowingly followed the instructions and later discovered that large sums of money had been withdrawn from their bank accounts, UPI wallets and credit cards. Several complaints revealed financial losses running into lakhs of rupees.

Cyber crime officials stressed that genuine Water Board authorities do not ask customers to install remote access applications or share confidential banking information. Residents have been advised to ignore suspicious calls and messages claiming to be from the Water Board.

The police also urged the public never to share OTPs, CVV numbers, banking passwords or UPI PINs with anyone. Citizens are encouraged to verify any service related communication directly through official channels before taking action.

Authorities believe public awareness remains the strongest defense against such frauds and have appealed to residents to remain cautious whenever they receive unexpected messages regarding utility services.