TNB warns of SMS scam offering fake blackout compensation

Got this SMS? It's a scam. — Facebook @TNB Careline

PETALING JAYA: Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) is urgently warning the public of an SMS scam attempting to defraud victims with fake compensation linked to the recent blackout.

Customers who receive the SMS are told that those affected by the electricity blackout will receive RM100 as compensation in their Touch ‘n Go ewallet. They will then be asked to click on a malicious Touch ‘n Go link to check their balance.

ALSO READ: Don’t tap on any links! How to spot and deal with a scam text message

TNB in a posting on Facebook has asked users not to click on the link despite the SMS being sent out from TNB’s own number which is 15454. Users are also urged to check with TNB to verify any information.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has announced that consumers, especially traders, can make a claim for losses suffered during the blackout as TNB will be giving out rebates.

ALSO READ: Maybank warns of malicious SMSSpy campaign targeting Android users in Malaysia

However, details about the rebate will only be presented at Parliament on Aug 4, he said in a report dated July 30.

On July 27, an electricity supply disruption occurred in several areas in the Peninsula due to damaged equipment at a TNB substation in Yong Peng, Johor. Takiyuddin said about one million users from the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors were affected by the incident.

The scammer appears to be using the same tactic as the previously-reported fake MySejahtera financial aid for Covid-19 SMS scam, which also included a link to a fake Touch ‘n Go website in the message.

ALSO READ: PDRM issues alert on fake MySejahtera SMS promising Covid-19 financial assistance

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) stated that users who click on the malicious link will be taken to a fake Touch ‘n Go website where they will be asked to provide details such as their phone number and account PIN number. By doing so, they could potentially give away their personal details to scammers.

In a separate report, Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Azmi Abu Kassim said the scam has cost three victims losses totalling RM4,550.