Power Division warns consumers about fake electricity subsidy links

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Energy’s Power Division on Friday cautioned electricity consumers against fraudulent activity being carried out in the name of a government subsidy scheme, saying hackers and other criminal elements were trying to obtain personal information through fake digital tools.

In an advisory issued for consumers, a spokesperson for the Power Division said some individuals were circulating suspicious online links and fake QR codes connected to electricity bill subsidies. According to the spokesperson, these methods were being used to steal users’ personal data under the pretext of offering financial relief on power bills.

The advisory said consumers were being prompted to open a specific link and then submit personal details through a four-step process. After entering that information, users were also being asked to provide a six-digit verification code on the same link.

The spokesperson said these tactics were unlawful and fraudulent, and added that QR codes were also being used for malicious purposes. The division urged consumers not to share personal information, whether online or in paper form, in order to obtain electricity subsidies.

Consumers asked to remain cautious

The warning stressed that members of the public should exercise caution when approached through unofficial channels claiming to offer electricity bill subsidies. The Power Division said such requests for personal details were part of a scam and should not be trusted.

The advisory made clear that the fraudulent campaign involved both suspicious links and QR codes, which were being presented as part of a subsidy process. The spokesperson said the aim of those behind the scheme was to misuse consumers’ information.

Officials also said the matter had been taken up with the relevant authorities. According to the spokesperson, law enforcement agencies had been informed about the activities of the criminal elements involved in the scam.

Official advisory issued

The Power Division’s statement was issued as a public warning to prevent consumers from falling victim to the scheme. It advised people not to provide any personal data through digital platforms or written submissions if asked to do so for electricity subsidies.

The ministry’s warning focused specifically on attempts to deceive consumers by presenting fake subsidy-related material as official communication. The spokesperson said the methods being used included a staged process in which users were first asked for personal details and then for a verification code, indicating an organised attempt to capture sensitive information.

The advisory did not announce any further measures in the statement, but it said law enforcement agencies had already been alerted to the activities. The Power Division urged consumers to stay vigilant and avoid interacting with any suspicious subsidy links or QR codes.