What is a bill discount scam?
A bill discount scam happens when individuals or companies offer discounts for your electricity bills. These offers might come through social media advertisements, WhatsApp, emails or even in person.
They often use various methods, including promoting products or services that claim to help you reduce your electricity bills or avoid supply disconnection by offering to pay on your behalf at a discounted rate, all with the goal of tricking you into sharing your personal information such as electricity account numbers and premise addresses or making payments through personal bank accounts and unauthorised channels.
How to detect a bill discount scam
1. Suspicious Online Promotions:
Be cautious of websites, social media accounts, WhatsApp messages or online advertisements promoting devices or services that claim to reduce your electricity bills. These products are often fraudulent with sellers attempting to gain your trust by falsely linking themselves to TNB.
2. Discount Offers:
If you encounter offers claiming to provide discounts on your electricity bills, especially those that require cash payments handed directly to individuals, transfers to personal accounts or payments through unofficial channels—exercise caution. TNB, as a regulated business, does not offer bill discounts through such methods.
3. Requests for Personal Bank Transfers:
Scammers may request you to share your electricity account details and make payment transfers on behalf for you in exchange for attractive bill discounts or services. Always be wary of such requests.
4. Unverified Social Media Accounts:
Be alert to social media accounts claiming to represent TNB or offering exclusive discounts through services like meter tempering, adjustments or energy saving devices. Always refer to TNB’s verified social media platforms for accurate information.
How to protect yourself
1. Completely Ignore Suspicious Messages:
Avoid engaging with messages, calls or emails offering bill discounts or asking your electricity account details. Scammers often use urgency to pressure you.
2. Monitor Your Electricity Account with myTNB:
Regularly check your electricity account via myTNB app or portal to check your account status and history.
3. Keep Your Electricity Account Details Private:
Never share your electricity account details, premise addresses, myTNB account details or any sensitive information with any suspicious individuals or platforms.
4. Use TNB Official Payment Channels:
Always ensure that you make payments through TNB’s official payment channels. This is crucial for protecting yourself from fraud and ensuring your transactions are secure.
5. Verify with TNB:
When in doubt, contact us directly through official channels to confirm any information via:
- Call: 1-300-88-5454
- Social Media: Facebook TNB CareLine & X @Tenaga_Nasional (24 hours)
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you suspect you've fallen victim to a scam, take immediate action by visiting the nearest police station to lodge an official report.