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OMCs Warn of Rising LPG Delivery Scams Targeting OTPs and Authentication Codes

State-owned oil marketing companies have issued warnings about rising LPG delivery scams where fraudsters impersonate official gas delivery services. These scammers use fake SMS and WhatsApp messages to trick customers into sharing One-Time Passwords (OTPs) and Delivery Authentication Codes (DACs). The companies emphasize that their representatives will never ask for OTPs over phone calls or messages, and customers should only share codes at the time of physical delivery. Victims are urged to report incidents to the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 immediately.

Key Points: LPG Delivery Scams: OTP Fraud Warning for Consumers

  • Scammers impersonate LPG delivery services to steal OTPs and DACs
  • Fake SMS and WhatsApp messages mimic official delivery notifications
  • Fraudsters pose as gas agency executives for KYC updates or Aadhaar linking
  • Customers should only share OTPs or DACs at the time of physical delivery
  • Report fraud by calling National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 immediately
2 min read

OMCs warn customers of rising LPG delivery scams demanding OTPs, authentication codes

State-owned OMCs warn of rising LPG delivery scams where fraudsters demand OTPs and authentication codes via fake messages. Learn how to stay safe.

"HP Gas representatives will never ask for OTPs over phone calls, WhatsApp messages, or suspicious links. - HPCL"

New Delhi, May 11

State‑owned oil marketing companies warned of rising cases of LPG delivery scams in which fraudsters impersonate official gas delivery services to extract One‑Time Passwords and Delivery Authentication Codes.

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroleum issued advisories on social media about cyber fraud targeting domestic LPG consumers with fake SMS and WhatsApp messages mimicking delivery notifications. These messages are used to trick customers into sharing One-Time Passwords (OTPs) or Delivery Authentication Codes (DACs).

In several cases, callers posed as gas agency executives seeking KYC updates or Aadhaar linking to avoid "disconnection" of gas connections and then demanded OTPs to "verify" requests.

HPCL notified customers that official delivery messages will come from the sender name 'VM‑HPGASc‑S', contain a four‑digit OTP and are used only at the time of cylinder delivery.

"HP Gas representatives will never ask for OTPs over phone calls, WhatsApp messages, or suspicious links," the post said, adding that "If the message feels urgent, unfamiliar, or looks different from the official format, do not trust it."

Similarly, Indian Oil urged customers to share their 6-digit DAC only with Indane delivery personnel strictly after they reach the doorstep.

BPCL reminded consumers that "sharing OTP only at the time of delivery" is the one rule that keeps them safe.

Further, the oil corporations urged consumers to only book cylinders or update details through their official applications including IndianOil One, HPPay, or Hello BPCL. Verified websites can also be used, but consumers should be wary of communications arriving from personal mobile numbers via WhatsApp.

If customers accidentally share details or lose money, they must call the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 within the "golden hour" window to increase the chances of freezing stolen funds.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

M
Michelle N
This is a global problem, not just India. But I appreciate how quick the OMCs were to issue warnings on social media. The golden hour tip (call 1930 immediately!) might save someone's savings. Good job, HPCL, IOC, and BPCL. 👏
P
Priya S
My 70-year-old mother got a call last week saying her gas connection would be cut if she didn't "update KYC" immediately. She was terrified. We need more awareness campaigns – especially in regional languages and on TV – not just on X (Twitter) or WhatsApp.
S
Suresh O
One small criticism: Why do we still need OTPs and DACs for delivery? Can't OMCs develop a more secure digital verification system? A simple QR code on the cylinder that the delivery man scans at the doorstep would work better and avoid all this confusion. 🙏
A
Aditya G
I've been using the IndianOil One app for months – it's actually good. Makes booking easy, and I know any SMS from the same sender ID is legit. But yes, the warning is timely. Scammers are now sending messages from 'VM-HPGASc-S' but with fake links. Always check the URL before clicking! 👍
S
Sarah B
This advice is crucial: "Never share OTP over a call – only at the doorstep." As an expat living in Delhi, I'm used to being cautious, but it's easy to get tricked when you're busy. Thank you to the OMCs for the clear, simple instructions.

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