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Hyderabad: Cyberabad Cyber Crime Police have warned citizens about a growing online fraud in which cyber criminals are impersonating officials of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) to steal money from unsuspecting residents.
Fake calls about pending water bills
According to police, scammers are sending WhatsApp messages, SMS alerts and making phone calls claiming that water bills are pending, meter readings have not been updated or CAN number verification is incomplete. Victims are threatened with disconnection of their water supply if they fail to act immediately.
Callers targeted via APK files
To resolve the alleged issue, scammers ask victims to download APK files or remote-access applications such as QuickSupport.
In some cases, they demand small payments of Rs 10, Rs 13 or Rs 20 to complete the verification process.
However, once the applications are installed, cyber criminals gain access to the victim’s mobile phone and sensitive financial information.
Police said the malicious apps can monitor mobile screens, access OTPs and SMS messages, collect banking and UPI details, misuse credit card information and carry out unauthorised transactions without the victim’s knowledge.
Victims duped of several lakhs
Several victims have reportedly lost amounts ranging from a few thousand rupees to several lakhs in such scams.
Cyberabad Cyber Crime Police have advised the public not to trust unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from HMWSSB, avoid downloading APK files received through WhatsApp or SMS, and never share OTPs, UPI PINs, CVV numbers or banking passwords with anyone.
People who suspect fraud should immediately disconnect internet access, remove suspicious applications, block banking and UPI services, change passwords and report the incident by calling the cybercrime helpline 1930.
The advisory was issued by T Sai Manohar, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Cyber Crimes, Cyberabad.

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