Cyber fraud: Karnal MC Commissioner issues public advisory

Cyber fraudsters have now begun to impersonate officials from the water and sewerage division of the Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC) to cheat people. They are targeting citizens by calling or messaging them with forged identities and official-sounding language, claiming to be from the water or sewerage division. Victims are told they have pending dues or discrepancies in records, and are threatened with disconnection of water, or legal action unless immediate payments are made.

The situation came to light after several residents approached the KMC Commissioner, Dr Vaishali Sharma, with complaints about such suspicious calls. Responding swiftly, she issued a public advisory, warning residents not to fall for such tricks.

“These fraudsters are contacting people and threatening them with disconnection of water supply or legal action. I urge everyone to remain vigilant and avoid responding to such callers," she said.

The KMC had not authorised any such phone calls or payment requests. All genuine payment communications were routed through official channels only. "People should verify any payment-related request through the official KMC website or office. If you receive any suspicious call or message, report it immediately to the cybercrime helpline or local police," she added.

“We have also written to the police to take action against such fraudsters,” she said.

SP Ganga Ram Punia has also cautioned the public. "We are actively tracking such cases. Public awareness is key. Do not share personal information or make payments based on random calls. Report frauds immediately," he said.