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Delhi Jal Board sounds alert over fake messages, calls threatening to disconnect water connections

“These calls, SMSes, WhatsApp messages are not authorised by the DJB and are indeed attempts to extort money under pretense,” it added

The agency, which is in charge of water supply across the city, has around 29 lakh registered customers, with several residents having complained about improper billing (Archive)

Taking note of fake threats being sent to residents on the pretext of disconnecting their water connections over unpaid bills, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) on Tuesday sounded an alert and asked the consumers to be cautious.

In a statement, the government agency said, “It has been brought to the attention of DJB that its consumers are being contacted through calls, SMS, WhatsApp messages by individuals falsely claiming to be from the agency. Disconnection is being threatened unless immediate payments are made.”

“These calls, SMSes, WhatsApp messages are not authorised by the DJB and are indeed attempts to extort money under pretense,” it added.

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The agency further underlined, “All official DJB communication is conveyed through written notices or official digital channels.”

“No payments should be made without proper verification. If such a call or message is received, no personal or financial details should be shared.”

The agency, which is in charge of water supply across the city, has around 29 lakh registered customers, with several residents having complained about improper billing.

On Monday, Water Minister Parvesh Verma had stated that this matter would be investigated by the DJB.

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In its official statement, the DJB on Tuesday also asked the consumers to report the fake calls or messages to the cybercrime helpline number (1930) or http://www.cybercrime.gov.in.

“The consumer may verify the authenticity of calls, SMS, WhatsApp messages, or any other communication from the concerned ZRO office or DJB’s helpline number 1916,” it added.

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