Introduced to secure deliveries of LPG cylinders, the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) has become the latest tool for cyber fraudsters.
As fraudsters use the mandatory verification process to rip off unsuspecting customers, leading LPG cylinder providers HP Gas, Indane and Bharat Gas have issued vital guidance to help consumers identify genuine codes and avoid falling victim to supply fraud.
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has warned consumers against fraudsters, saying they “may try to imitate LPG delivery messages”.
HPCL said knowing what an authentic HP Gas message looks like can help customers stay protected.
Before sharing your delivery verification code, always verify:
- The message comes from the official name of the sender: VM-HPGASc-S
- It contains a 4-digit OTP
- It is used only at the time of delivery of the cylinder
“Remember HP Gas representatives will never ask for OTP through phone calls, WhatsApp messages or suspicious links,” X’s post read. “If the message seems urgent, unfamiliar or looks different from the official format, don’t trust it.”
“Your DAC (OTP) code helps to confirm that the bottle has been successfully delivered to you,” Bharat Petroleum said in X’s post.
“For your safety and security, share the DAC only after receiving the bottle from the delivery staff,” Bharat Gas said. “One small measure can help ensure a smoother and safer delivery.”
“Your safety starts with safe delivery,” IndianOil said in the X post, urging consumers to share the 6-digit Delivery Verification Code (DAC) “only with Indane delivery personnel at the time of LPG delivery.”
They have also asked consumers to avoid queuing up at the distributor and book their LPG refills digitally through:
