ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Energy’s Power Division has issued an important advisory warning electricity consumers against fraudulent QR code scams linked to electricity bill verification and subsidy registration systems.
According to the Power Division, cybercriminals and hackers are attempting to exploit electricity users by pretending to offer government subsidy registration services through fake QR codes and suspicious online links. Officials said the fraudulent activity is aimed at stealing consumers’ personal and financial information.
A spokesperson for the Power Division stated that certain malicious individuals are circulating fake instructions and asking consumers to complete a four-step process to claim electricity subsidies. Consumers are reportedly directed to click on suspicious links, provide personal information, and later enter a six-digit verification code.
The ministry clarified that this process is completely illegal and fraudulent. Consumers were strongly advised not to share any information on unofficial websites, digital platforms, or paper-based forms claiming to provide subsidy registration services.
Officials emphasized that electricity consumers should only use the QR code printed directly on their official electricity bills for verification and registration purposes. The Power Division also confirmed that law enforcement agencies have been informed and investigations into the cyber fraud attempts are underway.
The advisory comes after the federal government introduced a new QR code verification system for subsidised electricity consumers. Under the latest mechanism, eligible consumers are required to register through the QR code printed on their monthly electricity bills to continue receiving government-backed electricity subsidies.
According to the ministry, consumers must scan the official QR code and complete the registration process through the designated online portal linked with the electricity billing system.
The spokesperson explained that the initiative is designed to improve transparency and ensure subsidies are delivered only to deserving and low-income households. The government also clarified that the registration process should not be misunderstood as the withdrawal of electricity subsidies for protected consumers.
“This initiative is only intended to make sure relief reaches poor and low-electricity-consuming households,” the spokesperson said.
The Power Division urged consumers to remain cautious, avoid clicking on unknown links, and immediately report suspicious messages or fake subsidy schemes to relevant authorities to prevent online fraud and identity theft.
