Pune: Cyber thieves have shifted their focus from the electricity sector to the gas sector, using the name of the MNGL domestic gas company to defraud unsuspecting customers.

After previously deceiving thousands under the guise of unpaid MSEB electricity bills, these fraudsters are now exploiting MNGL's name. A resident of Sinhagad Road was recently scammed out of Rs 3.83 lakh by being told their gas bill was unpaid. This is the first instance of such a scam involving the gas company.

A 55-year-old from Hingne Khurd lodged a complaint at the Sinhagad Road police station. According to the police, the MNGL company has laid a pipeline in the Sinhagad Road area, providing domestic gas connections.

Exploiting this, the fraudsters called the complainant residing in Ajinkyanagar, stating that their MNGL bill was pending. The complainant asserted that the bill had been paid, but the fraudsters claimed it was not reflected in their system.

They sent a WhatsApp link under the pretext of updating the MNGL account. Unsuspecting citizen clicked on this link. By using this link, the cybercriminals obtained all the complainant's details and debit card information. The cybercriminals subsequently withdrew Rs 3.83 lakh from the complainant’s account.

Previously, cyber thieves were deceiving people by claiming their MSEB electricity bills were unpaid. Now, they have started using the MNGL gas company's name to carry out their frauds.

This is the first instance of such a scam involving the gas company. Police Inspector Kshirsagar is conducting further investigations.