Myanmar warns public over online meter scams

Photo courtesy of Global New Light of Myanmar

Myanmar’s electricity utility has warned households seeking new power meters to avoid fraudulent social-media accounts demanding payment for applications.

The Yangon Electricity Supply Corporation (YESC) said it had received reports of fake Facebook pages using the names of the Ministry of Electricity and Energy and the utility to target prospective applicants.

The official route

The ministry has introduced an online application system for new electricity meters, intended to make applications quicker and cheaper while removing the need for brokers or unofficial intermediaries.

YESC said the system is designed to be used through the ministry’s official online service, not through social-media messages or accounts.

Fake pages seek payment

According to the warning, people behind the impersonation pages have been asking applicants for money. The approach creates a risk that households could lose funds while believing they are dealing with an authorised service.

The corporation stressed that applications are not processed through Facebook, Telegram or other social-media platforms.

Check before applying

Applicants are being urged to rely only on the official Ministry of Electricity and Energy website when applying for a new meter. Anyone approached through social media should treat payment demands with caution and independently verify the channel before providing information or money.

The warning is particularly relevant for renters, newcomers and property managers, who may be unfamiliar with the correct application route and can be more exposed to people posing as intermediaries.

Move away from brokers

Authorities say the online system is intended to make the application process more direct, lowering costs and reducing the role of brokers or staff who may previously have offered to handle requests.

YESC’s message is clear: applications should go through the ministry’s official service, while social-media requests for payment should not be treated as part of the meter-application process.

27 August 2026