A case of cyber fraud has emerged from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, where a local resident became the victim of a financial scam during an online electricity bill payment. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of digital payment platforms used for utility services in semi-urban and rural areas.
According to preliminary reports, the victim attempted to pay their monthly electricity bill through a third-party app after encountering a fake helpline number during an online search. On contacting the number for assistance, the caller convinced the victim to install a remote access app, claiming it would help complete the transaction. Moments later, the victim’s bank account was siphoned off, with unauthorized transactions totaling several thousands of rupees.
Fraudulent Helplines and Remote Access Traps
Police investigations suggest that the fraudsters had strategically placed fake customer care numbers online. These numbers appear in search results and impersonate legitimate electricity department helplines. Once contacted, the fraudsters guide users into sharing sensitive financial information or installing remote desktop software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer.
The cybercrime cell has taken up the investigation and traced the funds to multiple accounts, believed to be part of a larger syndicate operating across states. Officials emphasized that such scams are becoming increasingly common as more people transition to digital payment methods without adequate digital literacy.
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Authorities Urge Public Awareness and Precaution
Local electricity board officials have issued warnings against using third-party applications or relying on unofficial helpline numbers found through unverified web searches. They are coordinating with cybersecurity experts and the district administration to initiate a public awareness campaign.
Meanwhile, cybercrime experts have reiterated the importance of verifying payment platforms and contacting only official support numbers listed on government websites. The Muzaffarpur incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing challenges in safeguarding digital financial transactions in smaller towns.
About the Author – Anirudh Mittal is a B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, with a keen interest in corporate law and tech-driven legal change.