“People are most vulnerable to falling prey to this online fraud in summer months, when it is extremely uncomfortable to stay without power at home. People at times panic and do what they are asked to, thinking that would help them retain power connection,” said a police officer.

The Telegraph took down from them a list of signs that citizens should look out for if they receive a message that says power supply will be snapped the same night if the pending bill is not paid immediately.

Language: Police said most of the messages sent by fraudsters are written in incorrect language. “For example, a resident of Kasba received a message on Monday: ‘Dear, Cu$tomer Your EIectricity Power. will be Di$connecte’d at To night 10:3pm. Your Last biII .was not update’d. Call EIectricity. office 790xxxx991 immediatel’y,” an officer in Lalbazar’s cyber cell said.