KUALA LUMPUR: An image is being circulated on social media and WhatsApp claiming that a water company red tag complete with QR code was being used by phishing scammers.
Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said checks via the Commercial Crime Intelligent System (CCIS) and Integrated Police Reporting System (IPRS) showed that no reports have been lodged over the alleged modus operandi involving Air Selangor QR Code to commit scams.
He said investigations revealed that Air Selangor has been using the tags for at least three years.
"The tags are placed near the water meter only when they have cut water supply to premises.
"The image shared is authentic," he said when contacted on Saturday.
He advised the public against scanning any unverified QR Code.
"In this instance especially, customers who have made their bill payments and do not have outstanding balances should contact the water company directly to verify if they receive such tags on their water meters," he said.
Ramli reminded the public not to panic in such situations and always refer to the proper channels for verification.
The image being circulated shows a red tag with the Air Selangor logo and a QR Code on it.
The image is accompanied by a caption claiming that a tenant had his water supply suddenly cut, so he went out to check and saw this red tag.
It also claimed that the QR code led to a website which at first glance looked like a legitimate Air Selangor website, but was not. "It's a scam, like many other imitation website.
"Turns out the tap was turned off manually. Air Selangor doesn't operate this way," the caption read.
Air Selangor has clarified via a post on its official Facebook page on Friday night that the tags were being used by its company, but only on customers who have outstanding bills.
"Following what is being circulated on social media, Air Selangor wants to clarify that the notices in question are currently being used for customers who have outstanding bills.
"For customers who do not have any outstanding bills who also receive the notice, contact Air Selangor at 15300 or direct enquiries to our Help Centre via the www.airselangor.com web portal and Air Selangor application," it said in a statement.