Water Bill Scam: Cyber Fraudsters Steal ₹8.6 Lakhs After Victim Pays ₹19

A resident of Ranchi fell victim to a cyber fraud scheme that used the guise of a water bill to steal a significant amount of money. The victim, Ankush Maheshwari, received a message on WhatsApp purportedly from the Ranchi Municipal Corporation, warning of a water connection disconnection due to an unpaid bill. The message prompted him to contact a provided number. After calling the number, he was instructed to download an app and make a payment of ₹19. Following the payment, his bank account was emptied of ₹8.6 lakhs in a series of unauthorized transactions. A police complaint has been filed, and the cybercrime unit is investigating the incident, searching for the perpetrators.