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Fuel supplies worldwide have been disrupted due to the ongoing tensions in West Asia. In India, too, people are rushing to book their LPG cylinders amidst fears of a potential gas shortage. However, cybercriminals are exploiting precisely this panic. If you, too, are searching the internet for information related to gas booking, this news is crucial for you.

LPG Scams Amidst the Gas Cylinder Shortage
Whenever online searches for a specific item surge suddenly, scammers immediately spring into action. These days, fraudsters are specifically targeting individuals on the internet and social media who are looking for information on booking gas cylinders. To ensnare people, fake advertisements and links are being circulated across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. These ads feature enticing claims such as "Instant Gas Cylinder Delivery" or "Emergency Gas Supply." These advertisements are designed in such a way that, driven by the panic over the gas shortage, people click on them hastily and without a second thought.

The Ruse of Fake Links and Advance Payments
Currently, people are searching on Google for gas booking websites and links. Seizing this opportunity, scammers are creating fake websites that look completely authentic. When you search for a helpline or booking number, these fake links often appear at the very top of the search results. Many people click on the payment links provided on these websites without verifying them, believing that they have successfully booked their gas cylinder. However, they remain unaware that they have fallen victim to fraud.

These websites also list fake helpline numbers; when an LPG consumer calls these numbers, they are asked to provide personal details such as their OTP, bank account number, or UPI ID. Consequently, they end up becoming victims of the scam.

How ​​to Avoid Scams When Booking Gas Online?
There is nothing inherently wrong with booking gas cylinders online; gas companies have introduced this facility to streamline the booking process. However, it ultimately depends on you—specifically, on how prudently you go about making your booking. 1. Always book your gas cylinder exclusively through your gas company's official mobile app or official website.
2. Never make a payment for a cylinder booking by trusting or clicking on any unknown links received via WhatsApp or SMS.
3. Strictly refrain from sharing your OTP, UPI PIN, bank account number, or credit/debit card details with any unknown person.
4. You must always remember that official gas agencies never demand advance payments from customers by sending such unknown links or SMS messages.

What to do if you fall victim to a scam?
If you have inadvertently made a payment through a fraudulent link, do not panic; instead, take immediate action.

In such a situation, the first step is to call the Government of India's cyber helpline number, 1930, to report the incident.
Additionally, you can file your complaint online by visiting the National Cyber ​​Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).
You should always bear in mind that the sooner you file a complaint after a fraud has occurred, the higher the chances of recovering your money.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.