Patna: Cyber fraud targeting electricity consumers is rising sharply across Bihar, with complainants reporting that scammers are contacting them within hours of applying for new connections or smart meters. Police data show that Patna ranks first in power-related cyber fraud cases, followed by Saran district.
According to officials, consumers often apply for an electricity connection or smart meter during the day and receive calls from fraudsters by evening. If not the same day, the call typically comes the next day. While some alert consumers avoid the trap, many fall victim.
In October 2023, Bhagalpur resident Aniruddh Thakur lodged a complaint regarding discrepancies in his electricity bill. The next day, he received a call claiming that his bill was pending. Trusting the caller, he ended up losing Rs 9.54 lakh. Police say hundreds of such complaints are being reported regularly.
Data from 2023 to 2025 reveal that 451 electricity consumers in Patna were duped of Rs 4.75 crore. Across Bihar, 653 consumers lost a total of Rs 9.61 crore during the same period.
Major fraud patterns
Investigations highlight four common tactics used by cyber criminals:
First, building trust using consumer details. In March 2025, Jehanabad resident Rajesh Kumar had a smart meter installed after applying for it. The next day, he received a call from someone claiming to be a power official, who accurately cited the consumer number and meter details. He was subsequently duped of Rs 21.55 lakh.
Second, forcing victims to download malicious applications. In July 2024, Vaishali resident Renu Singh received a call from a fraudster posing as an electricity worker who quoted her consumer details and asked her to download certain apps for online bill payment. Her phone was hacked, and Rs 19.63 lakh was withdrawn from her account.
Third, using video calls to appear legitimate. In January 2025, Gaya resident Mohan Sharma complained about a fault in his smart meter. A few days later, he received a video call from a person offering assistance with recharge. He was cheated of Rs 15.50 lakh.
Fourth, linking smart meters to fake departmental apps. In November 2025, Nalanda resident Usha Priyamvada had a new smart meter installed. The following day, she received a call claiming that the meter needed to be linked to an official app. She lost Rs 9.68 lakh.
Police scrutiny of 648 FIRs registered at cyber police stations across Bihar shows that more than 300 victims had recently applied for new connections or lodged complaints. In over 150 cases, fraudsters gained the victim’s trust by correctly stating their consumer ID and name.
Officials note that messages sent by power distribution companies do not contain mobile numbers for callbacks. Fraudsters, however, threaten disconnection or claim pending bills to create panic.
Key questions are being raised about how cyber criminals are accessing sensitive consumer data, including mobile numbers, consumer ID numbers and last recharge details. Despite repeated cases, there is concern over why action has not been initiated against those responsible for data management and potential leaks.
Police have issued the following advisory to electricity consumers:
Ignore calls or messages threatening disconnection over pending bills.
Make payments only through the official websites or apps of NBPDCL and SBPDCL.
If you have recently applied for a connection or lodged a complaint, verify any follow-up calls directly with the nearest electricity office.
Do not share OTPs, bank details or account information with anyone.
Avoid clicking on APK files or installing remote access apps such as TeamViewer at the request of unknown callers.
Enable two-factor authentication for UPI, email and banking services.
Authorities have urged consumers to remain vigilant as cyber criminals continue to exploit electricity services as a new front for financial fraud.
