HASAN HADI /Dehradun
Due to the issues being faced in supply of cooking gas cylinders, cyber frauds have now started targeting LPG gas cylinder bookings. In response, the cyber crime police unit has become active and has also issued an advisory. People have been advised to book gas cylinders only through official numbers.
Due to the ongoing West Asia conflict, the government has put restrictions on commercial cylinders while also stressing that the stock of domestic cylinders is sufficient. However, due to panic among people, the demand for domestic cylinders has increased. This has led to black marketing and also created opportunities for fraud.
Assistant superintendent of police (Cyber Crime) Kush Mishra said that fraudsters are sending messages to people asking them to book LPG cylinders quickly and are also demanding OTPs. So far, no FIR has been registered in this matter, but people are receiving such calls and messages. Mishra advised people to book cylinders only through the official numbers provided and not to share their OTP with anyone. He also said that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in black marketing of cylinders or related fraud. He further said that if anyone receives such suspicious calls or messages, they should immediately report it by calling 1930.
When some residents were spoken to, they said they are facing difficulties in booking cylinders. Sometimes the booking number does not connect, and sometimes other problems occur. One woman said that the cylinder at her home is about to finish, but she is unable to book a new one. Another woman said that her cylinder has been booked, but it has not been delivered even after more than two days. An elderly man, requesting anonymity, said that he was unable to book a cylinder, so he had to buy one in the black market.
As people are unable to get cylinders, there is a risk that they may panic and become victims of black marketing or fraud. Cyber police have become active to prevent such incidents. At the same time, fraudsters are trying to trap people by sending fake LPG booking messages and asking for money. Mishra said that people should not send money to any unknown person. He also advised people not to fall into the trap of fraudsters and to book cylinders only through the official numbers provided.
