The Jal Shakti (Public Health Engineering) Department Jammu has alerted the public about the circulation of fraudulent WhatsApp messages, falsely claiming to be from the Department and threatening water disconnection.

“The public is hereby informed that these messages are fake. The Department is not sending any WhatsApp messages at present regarding water bills, meter readings or disconnection notices.

“All official communications are issued only through authorised departmental channels. The general public is advised not to respond, not to share personal or financial details and not to make any payment in response to such messages. Such communications should be ignored and blocked. Impersonation of the Department is a criminal offence and necessary action shall be taken against the offenders,” a communiqué issued by the department stated. The advisory has been issued in public interest.