Pune Scam Alert: Fraudsters Send Fake Messages Demanding Water Bill Payments, Warns PMC

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a warning alerting citizens about scam messages being circulated by unknown individuals, falsely claiming to represent the civic body and threatening disconnection of water meters due to unpaid water bills.

The civic body, in an official statement, stated that the message, which surfaced on April 14, is doing the rounds to deceive residents into making online payments via unverified sources.

PMC has clarified that these messages were not issued by the Water Supply Department and has urged citizens to remain cautious.

The statement read, "Several residents have reported receiving intimidating messages on their phones, warning them of water meter disconnection unless outstanding dues are paid immediately. These messages often include suspicious payment links and originate from unknown mobile numbers."

The civic body has advised residents not to engage in any form of online financial transaction with unidentified individuals or mobile numbers. Furthermore, citizens are urged not to click on any links provided in such messages, as they may compromise personal data or lead to financial loss.

The PMC has reiterated that there are official and secure methods available for accessing water bill information and making online payments. For the convenience of the public, the PMC has provided a verified WhatsApp Virtual Assistant for all water bill-related queries. Residents can access detailed billing information and securely pay their dues through this chatbot by messaging 8888251001. Alternatively, the same services are available through the official water tax portal at http://watertax.punecorporation.org.