Stay alert for LPG scams!

2-minute read

You are in the middle of a busy workday when a message suddenly pops up…

Your LPG connection will be disconnected within 24 hours due to a pending KYC opdate. Click here to verify immediately.

The logo looks right. The language sounds official. And you’re worried about your gas supply.

So, you tap the link.

That single tap can cost you your hard-earned savings.

This is the LPG scam - one of the fastest-growing frauds in India today.

With news of global conflicts impacting fuel supply chains, concerns about LPG and PNG shortages have increased.

Fraudsters are exploiting the situation by impersonating gas agencies, oil companies or government officials to deceive people.

The fraudsters are targeting bank accounts through fake booking links and urgent KYC update calls, often using messaging apps to reach out to potential victims.

Here is how the scam works

Scammers create panic about service disconnection or price hikes, enticing victims to click phishing links, install malicious APK files or share OTPs, resulting in unauthorised bank transfers and stolen credentials.

Fraudsters typically:

Contact you claiming that your LPG subsidy/connection has been blocked or stopped

Insist on urgent KYC updates to prevent disconnection of the gas service

Share fake links for subsidy verification or LPG booking

Request confidential details such as OTP, Debit Card/Credit Card information or UPI approvals

Here are some tips to stay safe:

Do not click on links about gas payment / disconnection or KYC links received via messaging apps from unknown senders. Always verify the source

Never download apps or APK files sent through messages or calls

Do not share OTPs, PINs, Card details or passwords with anyone

Always verify requests through your authorised LPG distributor

Use only official websites or apps of oil and gas companies for making bookings and to get updates

Verify gas bills or KYC requests only through official websites, apps or Customer Care numbers

If you are a victim of online fraud, reach out to the National Cyber Crime portal at cybercrime.gov.in, call the helpline on 1930 and call ICICI Bank’s helpline number on 1800 2662.

If you have received any malicious/phishing/suspicious e-mails or calls, please report it to Sanchar Saathi at sancharsaathi.gov.in/ and to ICICI Bank at antiphishing@icicibank.co.in.

Remember: Banks and LPG agencies will never ask for confidential details over calls, SMS or links. Your awareness is the strongest safeguard against fraud.

Stay alert and stay protected.