TGCSB warns citizens against fake SIR form scam
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has warned citizens against fake Special Intensive Revision (SIR) form scams in which cybercriminals impersonate Election Commission officials and seek sensitive banking information.
Fraudsters send messages claiming that a citizen’s voter details are incorrect or that their SIR form has been rejected, the bureau said.
The messages may be sent through WhatsApp or other digital platforms and may contain links that claim to help citizens correct or update their voter details.
Scammers seek small payments before targeting banking details
Cybercriminals may also direct citizens to malicious WhatsApp links and ask them to pay a nominal amount, such as ₹5, to update or verify their details, TGCSB said.
Once a victim clicks the link or provides the requested information, fraudsters may attempt to obtain bank login credentials, card details and PINs.
TGCSB said the official SIR process is completely free and advised citizens not to make any payment in response to messages or calls claiming that a fee is required to update or correct SIR or voter details.
Citizens should never share bank login credentials, card details, PINs, passwords or one-time passwords (OTPs) with anyone, the bureau said.
Bureau urges voters to verify messages through official channels
TGCSB advised citizens to be cautious of messages claiming that their SIR form has been rejected, WhatsApp links asking them to update voter details, requests for nominal payments and communications seeking banking information.
The bureau also advised citizens to verify SIR-related communication through official channels and avoid clicking suspicious links received through WhatsApp or other messaging platforms.
The Election Commission of India’s official voter service portal currently provides services related to the Special Intensive Revision, including the enumeration form.
Citizens who encounter cyber fraud can report it by calling the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. The portal also provides a facility to report suspicious website URLs, WhatsApp numbers, phone numbers and other identifiers.
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
Shikha Goel, IPS, Director, Telangana Cyber Security Bureau, urged citizens: “Do not pay. Do not click suspicious links. Do not share your banking details. Stay alert and protect your identity.”
