Consumers using LPG cylinders are being warned about a new cyber fraud in which scammers are posing as gas delivery agents to steal OTPs and Delivery Authentication Codes (DAC). Government oil companies have issued fresh advisories asking people not to share sensitive delivery codes over phone calls, WhatsApp messages, or suspicious links.
The fraud has been reported in multiple parts of the country, where cyber criminals are sending fake LPG delivery notifications and pretending to be officials from gas agencies. Their main aim is to scare users by claiming that their gas connection may be blocked or disconnected if they do not complete verification immediately.
Fraudsters usually contact customers through SMS, WhatsApp, or direct calls. They claim that the consumer’s LPG KYC is incomplete, Aadhaar is not linked, or the gas connection is at risk of suspension.
After creating panic, they ask users to share the OTP or DAC received on their mobile number. In some cases, fake links are also sent to customers in the name of verification or booking updates.
Cyber experts have warned that sharing these codes can lead to financial fraud or misuse of personal details.
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited has clarified that official HP Gas delivery messages are sent only from the verified sender ID “VM-HPGASC-S”. The company said the 4-digit OTP is meant only for confirming cylinder delivery at the doorstep.
HPCL also stated that no company representative asks for OTP through calls, WhatsApp chats, or external links.
Indian Oil Corporation has advised Indane customers to share the 6-digit DAC only when the delivery executive arrives with the LPG cylinder.
Meanwhile, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited also urged consumers to reveal OTP details strictly during physical delivery and never before.
Oil companies have asked consumers to avoid third-party links and rely only on official applications for LPG booking and account updates, including:
Users have also been warned not to trust messages received from unknown WhatsApp numbers.
If you accidentally share your OTP or suspect fraudulent activity, immediately contact the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 and report the incident. Quick reporting can improve the chances of preventing financial loss.
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