In Bihar, cybercriminals have discovered a new way to trick gullible citizens: taking advantage of the state government’s pledge to provide 125 units of free power. Scammers continue to steal crores of rupees every day from victims by adjusting to new programs and official pronouncements, even in the face of several public awareness campaigns.
A fraudulent message stating that recipients must click a link and enter an OTP in order to receive the free electricity benefit that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced is the most recent scam. Victims are informed that their electricity would no longer be subsidized if they do nothing. Scammers may access bank accounts and take money almost immediately once the link is clicked and personal information is supplied.
This strategy is a component of a larger trend in cybercrime that combines temptation and terror by impersonating law enforcement or judicial representatives or by making too-good-to-be-true financial offers. Even phrases like “digital arrest” have entered the fraudsters’ toolbox, where they are utilized to extract money through fictitious judicial processes.
Authorities observe that regions of Haryana, Jharkhand, and Bihar have become into important hotspots for cybercrime in India. The size and flexibility of these criminal networks are posing a challenge to law enforcement.
Electricity distribution providers are responding by warning customers not to interact with any of these communications. Officials have explained that, in accordance with the state’s instruction, the benefit of 125 free units would be immediately added to residential bills starting on August 1. Customers who use more than 125 units will only be charged for the excess, while those who use less than that will not be charged at all.
Users of smart meters are also exempt from recharging after using the allocated number of free units. Their monthly accounts will clearly show the benefit.
CM Nitish Kumar unveiled the plan on July 17 and it is expected to help more than 1.67 crore families. In an effort to produce 10,000 MW of electricity from solar energy around the state, the administration has also announced plans to construct solar power systems on surrounding roofs or public property within three years.
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