Cooking gas is one of the most important requirements for the Indian public. There are millions of families that rely on LPG cylinders for their cooking requirements. But the cybercriminals have started exploiting the need for LPG cylinders by operating a new scam of delivering LPG cylinders.

These cybercriminals are swindling people by demanding advance payments for the booking of fake LPG cylinders.

Recently, the cybercrime departments of many states in India have sent messages warning the public about the fake LPG booking links that are being circulated online, especially during the period when the public is concerned about the shortage of LPG cylinders.

If you are a user of LPG cylinders provided by Indane, Bharat Gas, or HP Gas, it is important for you to know about the new scam of delivering LPG cylinders.

What Is the LPG Cylinder Delivery Scam?

The LPG cylinder delivery scam is a cybercrime where the scammers pose as gas distributors or customer care executives. They send messages to the users claiming to deliver the gas cylinders immediately or additional cylinders if the user pays in advance.

Victims usually receive these messages through:

The messages often create panic by claiming:

Cybercriminals use urgency to pressure people into clicking malicious links or transferring money.

Authorities have warned that scammers are exploiting public panic about gas shortages and delivery delays to spread fake booking ads online.

Why This LPG Scam Is Increasing in India

There are many reasons why LPG scams are increasing rapidly. These are as follows:

  1. High Dependency on LPG

All households in India depend on LPG gas cylinders. This is why LPG is a favorite among scammers.

  1. Online Booking Trend

Most LPG gas bookings are done online. This is why phishing websites are emerging.

  1. Panic During Supply Rumors

As soon as rumors about gas supply cut-off emerge, people try to find gas supply services. This is why LPG gas scams are on the rise.

  1. Virality on Social Media

Scams are easily circulated on social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook.

According to cyber crime agencies, fraudsters are developing fake LPG gas websites. They are sending links to these websites on WhatsApp, asking users to pay online for faster service.

How the LPG Cylinder Delivery Scam Works (Step-by-Step)

Understanding the scam process can help you avoid becoming a victim.

Step 1: Fraudulent Message or Ad

Victims receive a message like:

The message usually contains:

Step 2: Fake LPG Booking Website

When the user clicks the link, they are taken to a fake website that looks exactly like an official gas company website.

These websites often copy the branding of:

The page asks users to fill in details such as:

Step 3: Advance Payment Trap

After entering details, the site asks the victim to pay money for:

Payments are usually requested via:

Once payment is made, the fraudsters disappear.

Step 4: Data Theft and Bank Fraud

In some cases, scammers also steal:

This allows them to drain money directly from the victim’s account.

The Most Dangerous Version — APK Malware Scam

A more advanced version of this scam involves malicious APK files sent on WhatsApp.

Here is how it works:

  1. Scammer contacts the victim pretending to be a gas company employee.
  2. They claim your gas connection needs verification or KYC update.
  3. They send a mobile application file (.APK) on WhatsApp.
  4. The victim installs the app.
  5. The app secretly accesses:
    • SMS messages
    • OTPs
    • banking notifications
    • phone data

Within minutes, fraudsters can empty the victim’s bank account.

Cybercrime authorities warn that no gas company ever sends APK files on WhatsApp.

7 Warning Signs of an LPG Delivery Scam

If you notice any of these signs, the message is likely fraudulent.

1. “Pay Now, Get Gas Tomorrow”

Legitimate gas agencies never require advance payments for emergency bookings.

2. Fake Customer Care Numbers

Scammers often publish fake helpline numbers on fraudulent websites.

3. Suspicious WhatsApp Messages

Gas companies usually do not communicate through random WhatsApp numbers.

4. Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers

Offers like:

are usually scams.

5. Fake Google Ads

Some scammers run fake ads so their websites appear on top of search results.

6. APK File Downloads

Any message asking you to install an unknown APK file is a major red flag.

7. Urgent Threat Messages

Messages like:

are often used to scare victims.

Also Read: Fake UPI Payment Screenshot Scam — How Shopkeepers Are Getting Fooled

How to Check Suspicious LPG Links or Messages

If you receive a suspicious LPG booking link, follow these steps before clicking.

1. Check the Website URL Carefully

Official LPG websites include:

Fake websites often contain:

Example of fake domains:

2. Check Website Security

Look for these signs:

If the site looks poorly designed or asks for UPI PIN, it is likely a scam.

3. Search the Website on Google

Before making any payment:

  1. Copy the website link
  2. Search it on Google
  3. Add the word “scam”

Example:

bharatgas-booking-online.com scam

If other users reported fraud, avoid it.

4. Verify Through Official Apps

Always use official LPG booking apps such as:

These apps are available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

How to Check And Report LPG Scams on ScamDekho Online

Step 1 – Open your browser and visit scamdekho.in

Step 2 – On the homepage, find the “Check Scam” or “Scan Now” box

Step 3 – Copy the suspicious WhatsApp message or link you received and paste it in the input box

Step 4 – Hit the Check Scam button and wait a few seconds

Step 5 – ScamDekho will show you the result — whether the link is Safe or a known Scam

Step 6 – If it is a scam, click Report This Scam so others get warned too

Step 7 – Share the result with your family and friends on WhatsApp to protect them as well

Pro Tip: Whenever you receive any suspicious LPG message, always check it on ScamDekho before clicking anything.

What to Do If You Get Scammed

If you accidentally made a payment to a fake LPG booking website, act immediately.

Step 1: Call Cybercrime Helpline

Dial: 1930

This is India’s official cybercrime emergency number.

Step 2: File Online Complaint

Visit:

https://cybercrime.gov.in

Submit:

Step 3: Inform Your Bank

Contact your bank immediately to:

The faster you report, the higher the chances of recovering money.

Authorities say reporting cyber fraud within the first few hours significantly increases recovery chances.

Official LPG Booking Methods

Always book LPG cylinders through official channels only.

CompanyOfficial AppWebsite
Indane GasIndianOil ONEhttps://iocl.com/
Bharat GasHello BPCLhttps://my.ebharatgas.com/
HP GasHP PAY/HP GAS SAATHIhttps://myhpgas.in/

Never trust random links shared on WhatsApp.

Check: Latest Online Scams in India (2026): New Fraud Trends You Must Know

Final Warning

The cybercriminals are always coming up with innovative ideas to take advantage of unsuspecting internet users. The LPG cylinder delivery scam is a dangerous fraud because it involves a basic necessity for every household – cooking gas.

Scammers rely on:

Remember these three golden rules:

If you receive a suspicious message, check it on ScamDekho right away and inform others.

Being vigilant is the key to stopping cybercriminals.