Pune: Municipal Corporation Warns Citizens About Fake Messages on Water Disconnection, Appeals to Stay Informed
Pune :
The Municipal Corporation has launched an intensified drive to recover remaining water tax and has started disconnecting water connections of defaulters. In an official statement, authorities have urged citizens to clear their pending dues to avoid disconnection. However, a wave of fraudulent messages is causing panic among citizens, falsely claiming that water connections will be cut off at 9 p.m. tonight.
In this regard, the civic body has clarified that these messages, which are being widely circulated via SMS and WhatsApp, are fake and should be ignored. As per the information, a fake message, falsely sent in the name of Municipal Officer Devesh Joshi, is urging citizens to contact mobile numbers 9309445824 and 9325848115 for urgent bill payments. The Municipal Corporation has stated that it has no association with these numbers and that citizens should refrain from responding to such fraudulent messages. The authorities have urged people to verify any information directly from official sources instead of trusting such misleading texts.
Beware of Fraudulent Links and Apps
Apart from fake disconnection notices, scammers are also targeting citizens with messages asking them to update their details through suspicious applications and links sent on WhatsApp. The Tax Collection Department has strongly advised citizens against downloading any such apps or clicking on unverified links. Instead, those with queries regarding their bills should directly contact the official Municipal Corporation helpline at 8888006666.
Tax Recovery Drive Underway, Official Messages Only from Verified Sources
The Municipal Corporation’s Tax Collection Department is actively conducting a campaign to recover unpaid water tax. Official tax notices and reminders are being sent exclusively through the department’s verified channels. Authorities have clarified that they do not ask for payments through personal mobile numbers. Assistant Commissioner Avinash Shinde said that citizens are urged to remain vigilant and ignore such fraudulent requests to not get duped.
Tax Dialogue Initiative to Address Citizen Concerns
In an effort to promote transparency and assist taxpayers, the Tax Collection Department has scheduled an interactive ‘Tax Dialogue’ session on February 1, 2025, at 11:30 AM. This session, which will be conducted both online and offline, will provide a direct platform for citizens to engage with officials and get their tax-related concerns addressed.
The session will be streamed live on the Municipal Corporation’s YouTube channel and social media handles. Citizens have been encouraged to submit their queries through these platforms to receive immediate clarifications from officials.
