A mass distribution of dangerous phishing emails, mimicking official electricity bills, has been recorded in Ukraine. Scammers are acting in the name of the Ministry of Energy, attempting to trick citizens into revealing personal data and money. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the press service of the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD).
The essence of the scam
Citizens are receiving fake utility bills in large numbers. In these emails, scammers use the details and logos of the state agency to gain the trust of recipients. The goal of the attack is to trick a person into clicking a link or entering card details under the pretext of paying a debt.
CCD specialists explained that this scheme is a classic example of phishing. Perpetrators are counting on the panic of citizens who fear power outages or accumulating debt, as well as their lack of knowledge regarding billing procedures.
Official position of the agency
The Ministry of Energy of Ukraine has categorically denied any involvement in the distribution. The agency emphasized that it has never and does not distribute payment emails directly to consumers.
"The Ministry has no connection to the collection of utility payments," the press service reminded. The functions of supplying electrical energy and issuing bills are the exclusive responsibility of specific energy companies. Individual contracts are concluded with each consumer, and it is these companies that issue the bills.
History of similar attacks
This is not the first time scammers have used the names of state structures to deceive Ukrainians. Previously, the Center for Countering Disinformation warned about other schemes:
- Distribution of emails about the possibility of applying for social payments.
- Theft of data and money through fake QR codes.
- Dangerous emails allegedly from the National Bank of Ukraine.
Experts urge citizens to be vigilant and verify the sender of any email containing a request for payment or a link. Official notifications from energy companies come through personal accounts or by post, but not via mass mailings in the name of ministries.