"LPG payment pending"—one click, and my phone was hijacked and money from my bank account was gone

With LPG shortage news everywhere, I was anxious about keeping our gas supply.

I wanted to pay what was due so service would not stop.

A message said my LPG payment was pending and supply would halt without immediate action.

It looked like it could be from the agency or distributor.

I clicked the link.

The page asked for payment or KYC updates—phrases like “LPG KYC pending” or “Aadhaar link for cylinder.”

After I engaged, my phone was compromised, WhatsApp hijacked, and unauthorised withdrawals hit my bank.

At the police station I learned many similar complaints tied to the same panic campaign.

Shortage headlines made delay feel dangerous; I skipped verifying with the distributor I already knew.

When the device stopped responding normally and bank alerts stacked, I knew the SMS had been a trap—not a billing reminder.

Money left the account; days went to securing the phone, WhatsApp, and cards.

Stress returns whenever any KYC SMS arrives.

No real gas company asks you to pay or link Aadhaar through SMS or WhatsApp links.

I verify only via official portals or numbers I look up.

• Ignore “LPG payment pending” / KYC links in SMS or WhatsApp (common in India).
• If you clicked: call your bank, recover WhatsApp, and report to police; warn family.

For more help, see our Report a scam page and Spot and avoid scams guide.