At a time when LPG supply issues are troubling households across India, scammers have found a new way to trap unsuspecting people. Taking advantage of the panic around gas shortages, fraudsters are now using video call scams to trick individuals into revealing sensitive banking information.
This alarming trend recently came to light after a woman from Kolkata shared her experience online, warning others about how her mother narrowly escaped falling victim to such a fraud.
How the LPG Scam Works
Scammers are calling people while posing as LPG service providers or agents. They claim they can arrange urgent gas cylinder delivery amid the shortage.
Here’s how they execute the fraud:
- They call victims from unknown numbers
- Offer quick LPG delivery or priority booking
- Convince the victim to join a video call
- Ask them to open their banking app during the call
- Trick them into showing sensitive details like PIN, OTP, or account info
Once the scammer gets access to these details, they can easily drain money from the victim’s account.
How One Family Avoided the Scam
In the Kolkata case, the victim’s mother received similar calls. However, she quickly sensed something was wrong when the caller insisted on a video call and asked her to open her bank account.
She refused to:
- Share any bank details
- Enter her PIN on camera
- Transfer any money
Her alertness helped her avoid a major financial loss.
Complaint Filed with Police
The incident was later shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where the woman tagged local authorities and shared the phone numbers used by scammers. The case was reported to the police for investigation, helping raise awareness among others.
Why This Scam Is Rising Now
The scam is linked to the current LPG supply disruption in the country. Several gas tankers are reportedly stuck near the Strait of Hormuz due to rising geopolitical tensions.
This has caused:
- Delay in LPG supply
- Increased panic among consumers
- Higher gas cylinder prices
Scammers are exploiting this situation to create urgency and pressure victims into making quick decisions.
Impact on LPG Prices
Along with supply issues, LPG prices have also increased:
- Domestic cylinder (14.2 kg): Up by around ₹60
- Commercial cylinder (19 kg): Increased by ₹115–₹144
This has added to the anxiety, making people more vulnerable to fraud.
How to Protect Yourself from LPG Scams
Follow these important safety tips to stay secure:
✅ Never share bank details on calls or video
No genuine company will ask for your PIN, OTP, or password.
✅ Avoid unknown video call requests
Especially if they involve financial actions.
✅ Verify from official sources
Always contact your LPG provider through official apps or helplines.
✅ Do not act in panic
Scammers rely on urgency—stay calm and think before acting.
✅ Report suspicious calls
Inform your local police or cybercrime portal immediately.
Relief for Ujjwala Scheme Beneficiaries
Despite rising prices, beneficiaries of the government’s LPG scheme are still getting relief:
- ₹300 subsidy per cylinder
- Amount directly credited to bank accounts
This helps reduce the burden for eligible households.
Final Takeaway
The LPG shortage may be temporary, but scams like these can cause permanent financial damage. Fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics, and now even video calls are being used as a weapon.
Stay alert, never share confidential information, and always verify before trusting any such offers. A moment of awareness can save your hard-earned money.
