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LPG Booking Scam: The government has alerted the public regarding scams currently being perpetrated in the name of booking LPG cylinders. Through these scams, individuals' personal data is being stolen.

LPG Booking Scam: Amidst the shortage of LPG cylinders that has persisted over the past few days, cyber scams are on the rise. Under the pretext of booking LPG cylinders, scammers are targeting individuals to steal their personal details. In light of this, the government has advised the public to remain vigilant. The government has stated that scammers are luring people into their traps by sending panic-inducing messages. It is imperative to exercise caution against such tactics. Let us understand the various methods being employed to ensnare people in these LPG booking scams and the steps one should take to protect oneself.

Warning Issued Regarding LPG Booking Scams

The Indian Cyber ​​Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has issued a warning regarding LPG booking scams. The advisory states that scammers are trapping people through offers of "urgent bookings," discount schemes, or panic-inducing messages. Payments and personal details are being illicitly obtained through fake links, mobile applications, and QR codes.

How Are LPG Booking Scams Being Executed?

The warning explains that scammers exploit the fear surrounding the LPG shortage by sending fake booking links. Users are being targeted via SMS, WhatsApp, and social media advertisements. Subsequently, payments and personal data are being extracted through fraudulent websites, apps, and QR codes.

How Can One Protect Against LPG Booking Scams?

The government advises that LPG bookings should *always* be made exclusively through official websites or mobile applications.
Refrain from interacting with unknown links, APK files, or QR codes.
Never share your OTPs, PINs, or bank account details with anyone.
Do not trust messages that attempt to create a false sense of urgency.

Such Scams Have Been Ongoing for Some Time

LPG supplies have been impacted following the outbreak of the conflict involving Iran, resulting in a shortage of LPG cylinders. In several cities, people are having to stand in long queues to procure LPG cylinders. Scammers have become active, seeking to exploit this crisis. They are sending messages to people promising "LPG delivery immediately upon payment." In this type of scam, payment is collected from individuals upfront, but the cylinder is never delivered. In light of this, companies supplying LPG cylinders have also issued alerts to the public. These companies have advised users to make bookings exclusively through official websites and apps.