eKYC is always free. No official source will ever ask you to:
- Share an OTP over phone, SMS, or WhatsApp
- Pay any fee or "processing charge"
- Enter your Aadhaar number or bank details on a third-party website
- Click a link sent via SMS/WhatsApp from an unknown or unofficial number
- Download an app from any source other than the official Play Store or App Store
Common Scam Tactics
1. Fake SMS / WhatsApp Messages
You receive a message claiming to be from your gas provider, saying your connection will be "disconnected" unless you complete eKYC immediately by clicking a link. The link leads to a fake website that collects your data.
Red flags:
- Message creates extreme urgency ("your gas will be CUT OFF today!")
- Contains a shortened or unfamiliar URL
- Comes from a personal mobile number rather than an official sender ID
- Asks you to "click here to complete eKYC" via a link
2. Fake Phone Calls
Someone calls claiming to be from Indian Oil, HP Gas, or Bharat Gas, asking you to share your Aadhaar number, OTP, or bank details "to complete eKYC over the phone."
Reality: No OMC completes eKYC over a phone call. The process requires biometric authentication via the official app or at a distributor.
3. Fake Fees / "Processing Charges"
Someone asks for payment to "process" or "expedite" your eKYC.
Reality: eKYC is completely free. There is no fee.
4. Fake Apps
Fake apps mimicking official OMC apps appear on unofficial download sites.
Reality: Only download apps from the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
What Official Communication Looks Like
- Come from an official sender ID (e.g., "INDANE", "HPGAS") — not a personal mobile number.
- Never ask for your Aadhaar number, bank details, or OTP in the message.
- Direct you to the official app by name — not via a clickable link.
- Never threaten immediate disconnection — the actual consequence is a subsidy pause.
If you've already shared your OTP, Aadhaar, or bank details with a suspected scammer:
- Contact your bank immediately and alert them to potential unauthorized transactions.
- Change your passwords for any related accounts.
- File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in (National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal).
- Contact your LPG distributor and inform them.
Safe Ways to Complete eKYC
- Through your provider's official app (downloaded from Play Store / App Store)
- Through the UMANG app
- Through mylpg.in (for Indane customers)
- In person at your local LPG distributor