The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) has cautioned consumers against fraudulent phone calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages sent in the name of water bill updates, pending dues or connection cancellations. The warning comes amid reports of cyber fraudsters targeting consumers by posing as Board officials.

HMWS&SB advised consumers not to click on suspicious links or download APK files received from unknown numbers. It also warned people against installing unauthorised applications, enabling screen sharing, granting remote access to their mobile phones, or sharing sensitive information such as OTPs, PINs, debit or credit card numbers. All water bill payments and billing-related services should be accessed only through authorised channels.