Guwahati Residents Hit by Cyber Fraud Using Jal Board Name

Guwahati has witnessed a surge in cyber fraud cases in recent weeks, with scammers misusing the name of the Guwahati Jal Board to dupe residents through fake water bill alerts and malicious links. Police and cybercrime officials say at least 15 cases have been reported so far, with cumulative losses exceeding ₹1.25 crore.

The fraud has raised serious concerns in the city, as attackers are exploiting a routine civic service, water billing, to gain victims’ trust and access personal and financial data.

Guwahati residents have lost over ₹1.25 crore in cyber fraud after scammers sent fake water bill alerts in the name of the Guwahati Jal Board. At least 15 cases have been reported, where victims were tricked into installing malicious files or making urgent payments, leading to hacked phones and financial losses.

How the Scam Works

Cybercrime officials said fraudsters are using two main methods to target residents across Guwahati.

In one method, victims receive a message containing an “.apk” file labelled as “Guwahati Jal Board Bill Update PDF.” Once installed, the file gives scammers access to sensitive data, including contacts, OTPs, banking credentials, and in some cases, complete control of the phone.

In another pattern, scammers hack WhatsApp accounts and use them to circulate threatening messages. These messages warn users that their water connection will be disconnected unless immediate payment is made, pressuring victims into transferring money without verification.

Victims Speak Out

A Guwahati resident, who requested anonymity, told local media that his family lost ₹3.5 lakh on January 2 after falling victim to the scam.

“My father received a message linked to the Jal Board scam. We never imagined something as routine as a water bill could be used for fraud,” he said. The family lodged a complaint the very next day, but the money could not be recovered.

Police said similar complaints have been received from multiple localities across the city.

Why Guwahati Is Being Targeted

Officials believe the fraudsters are exploiting Guwahati’s ongoing water connection upgrades and billing awareness drives. With more residents interacting digitally with civic bodies, scammers are using familiar names like the Guwahati Jal Board to appear legitimate.

Cyber experts noted that such scams are particularly effective in urban areas where people expect SMS or WhatsApp alerts for utility services.

Police and Cybercrime Response

Cybercrime units have begun analysing complaint patterns and tracking digital trails linked to the fraud. Police have urged residents to remain alert and avoid downloading files or clicking links received from unknown or unverified sources claiming to be from government bodies.

Authorities have also advised citizens to immediately report suspicious messages and financial fraud to cybercrime helplines to improve the chances of blocking transactions.

What Residents Should Do

Police have issued the following advisories for Guwahati residents:

• Do not download APK files sent via SMS or WhatsApp
• Verify water bill information only through official Jal Board channels
• Do not share OTPs, banking details, or screen access
• Report cyber fraud immediately to the police or cybercrime portals

What Happens Next

• Police will continue tracking the source of fraudulent messages
• More advisories are expected from civic and cyber authorities
• Residents are urged to spread awareness, especially among elderly family members

With digital payments and services expanding rapidly, officials stressed that vigilance remains the strongest defence against such scams in Guwahati.

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