SIR Scam Alert: Frauds are increasing in the name of voter list update, keep these things in mind

SIR Voter List Scam: Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign is going on in many states in the country on the instructions of the Election Commission (ECI). Its purpose is to update the voter list, remove wrong names and add new voters. But meanwhile, cyber thugs are fooling people and cheating in the name of SIR. At many places, fake calls, links and APKs were sent to people, through which mobile data was stolen or attempts were made to empty bank accounts. The Home Department of Madhya Pradesh Government has issued an alert on its website asking to be cautious of links, calls or APKs coming in the name of SIR. In such a situation, let us understand what is the real SIR, how fraud is happening and how you can save yourself.

What is SIR?

SIR means Special Intensive Revision, in which the Election Commission checks the voter list door-to-door. In this, BLO (Booth Level Officer) comes to your home and gives a form, which has to be filled and submitted back. It is important to keep in mind that no call comes in SIR. Neither is any link sent nor is any OTP asked.

How is fraud happening in the name of SIR?

First of all, fraudsters send fake SMS to your mobile. In many cases, fake links are also sent on WhatsApp, which are asked to click. This link or file is often shared with the name of SIR.apk. As soon as the .apk is installed, malware enters the phone and data theft starts in the background. As soon as the person taps on the link, his device comes under the control of hackers. After this, the fraudsters steal your personal details like name, address, contacts, banking related details etc. Scammers try to win trust by posing as voter list team or ECI employees. They fear that if the process is not completed, your name may be removed from the voter list. On this pretext they ask for OTP, form details and personal information. After giving OTP, fraudsters can easily access bank account, UPI, and phone data and money can be siphoned off.

How to recognize if the link is fake?

The number is unknown, there is wrong spelling in the link, there is fear or pressure to hurry in the message or it asks to download i.e. APK file as soon as the link is opened… delete any such link immediately, do not open it at all. In fraud, fraudsters ask for your full name, address, Aadhaar details, bank details, mobile number and OTP. In real SIR none of these is asked over phone or link.

What is the real SIR process like?

• Only BLOs complete this process. BLOs come to your home and give the enumeration form.
• While taking the form, only Voter ID is shown and mobile number is entered.
• The form has to be filled and returned within 7-10 days.
• BLO scans the form and uploads it in the ECI app.
• Check your name when the first draft list comes.
• If there is a mistake, apply for correction in the ERO office.
• Fill the online form only if your Aadhaar name and voter list name match exactly.

SIR What to do to avoid fraud?

• Get the entire process done only through BLO. Do not take the form from anywhere other than BLO.
• Do not click suspicious links, QR or APK.
• Do not share sensitive information like OTP, Aadhaar, bank details to anyone, even if the other person calls himself an officer.
• Be careful of unknown calls or messages. Block suspicious numbers.
• Get information about SIR only from the official website or app of ECI.
• Report fraud immediately as soon as it occurs.

What to do immediately if fraud occurs in the name of SIR?

• Block bank, UPI or card instantly.
• Remove any unknown apps.
• Restart the mobile, do a factory reset if needed.
• Change all passwords.
• Call cyber helpline 1930 or lodge a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.

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Read this also- Do not make these 10 mistakes while filling the SIR form, otherwise you will be rejected!