Consumers urged not to share data through QR code links on electricity bills

Power Division has issued an advisory warning electricity consumers against sharing personal information through suspicious QR codes and online links attached to electricity bills.

According to the spokesperson for the Power Division, some individuals are allegedly attempting to misuse QR codes to obtain consumers’ personal information under the pretext of providing subsidies or bill-related services.

The spokesperson said consumers are being asked to click on a specific link and complete a four-step process to share their information. After entering the required details, users are reportedly instructed to enter a six-digit code on the same link.

The Power Division clarified that such a method for collecting information is “incorrect and illegal”, adding that consumers’ information related to electricity bills cannot be entered or verified on any external platform apart from official channels.

The advisory further urged electricity consumers not to provide any information digitally or on paper for subsidy purposes, warning that such requests may be fraudulent attempts to steal personal data.

Officials said law enforcement agencies had already been informed about the activities of criminal elements allegedly involved in the scheme.