SIR Verification Scam Alert: Fake Calls Can Empty Your Bank Account

If you receive a phone call claiming to be about Special Intensive Revision (SIR) verification, do not respond without checking the caller’s identity. Cybercriminals are reportedly using SIR verification as a new method to target voters by claiming that their details are incorrect or that their SIR form needs to be updated.

In one reported case, a Pune resident in his late 70s allegedly lost ₹4.98 lakh after receiving a call about corrections in his SIR data. In another case, an 82-year-old Bengaluru resident reportedly lost ₹3.49 lakh after fraudsters approached him on the pretext of SIR form verification.

With SIR-related activities underway in several areas, people need to be particularly careful about unsolicited calls, messages and links claiming to be connected with voter verification.

What Is the SIR Verification Scam?

The fraud generally starts with a phone call from someone pretending to be an official associated with the Election Commission of India (ECI), a Booth Level Officer (BLO) or a voter verification team.

The caller may claim that there is a mistake in the voter’s details, that the submitted SIR form does not match official records or that the form has been rejected.

Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency by suggesting that the person’s name could be removed from the voter list if the issue is not resolved immediately.

After creating fear, the caller may offer to “help” complete the verification process. This is where the actual fraud attempt usually begins.

How Do Fraudsters Carry Out the Scam?

The scammer may send a verification link through WhatsApp or SMS and ask the victim to complete a small payment. In some cases, the amount may be as low as ₹5.

The small payment is often used to make the request appear genuine. The victim may then be directed to a fake website where the fraudster attempts to collect banking information, card details or an OTP.

Another method involves sending an APK file and asking the victim to install it on their Android phone. Installing an unknown application can give fraudsters access to sensitive information or enable further fraudulent activity.

Once the victim shares financial information or enters an OTP, the fraudster may be able to initiate an unauthorised transaction.

SIR Verification Is Not a Reason to Share Banking Details

People should remember that voter verification should not require them to share sensitive banking information with an unknown caller.

Do not share your OTP, ATM PIN, debit or credit card details, CVV, NetBanking password or other banking credentials with anyone over the phone.

You should also be suspicious if someone asks you to make a payment to complete SIR verification.

How to Identify a Fake SIR Verification Call

There are several warning signs that can help you identify a potential scam.

A caller may claim that your voter details are incorrect and demand immediate action. They may threaten that your name will be removed from the voter list if you do not complete verification quickly.

Another major warning sign is a request to click on an unknown link, install an APK or make a small payment.

Scammers may also pretend to be government officials and use official-sounding language to gain your confidence.

If a caller creates pressure and asks for sensitive information, do not proceed. End the call and verify the information independently through official channels.

How to Stay Safe From SIR Verification Fraud

SIR-related services should not be treated as an opportunity to share your financial information with unknown people.

Keep these precautions in mind:

• Do not share OTPs, ATM PINs, passwords, card details or banking credentials with anyone claiming to be a verification officer.
• Never install an APK received from an unknown phone number or through an unsolicited WhatsApp or SMS message.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links sent by unknown callers.
• Do not make a payment simply because someone claims that it is required for SIR verification.
• If you receive a suspicious call, verify the information independently through the official Election Commission channels or your local BLO.
• Do not use the phone number or website link provided by the suspicious caller for verification.
• If you suspect that your bank details have been compromised, contact your bank immediately.

What to Do If You Have Already Shared Bank Details?

If you have already provided your card details, banking credentials or OTP to a suspected fraudster, act quickly.

Contact your bank immediately and inform them about the suspected fraud. Ask the bank to block or secure the affected card or account and take the necessary steps to prevent further unauthorised transactions.

If money has already been deducted from your account, report the incident immediately through the Cyber Crime Helpline number 1930 and the official cybercrime reporting portal.

Quick action can improve the chances of stopping or recovering funds in certain cases.

Where Can You Report a SIR Scam?

People who receive suspicious calls or become victims of cyber fraud can report the incident through the official cybercrime reporting channels.

You can use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to report cybercrime incidents.

For financial fraud requiring immediate assistance, you can also call the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930.

You can also visit Sanchar Saathi for relevant telecom-related reporting and safety services.

SIR Verification Scam: Key Takeaway

A phone call about SIR verification does not automatically mean that the caller is a government official. Cybercriminals can use real government processes as a cover to make their scams appear genuine.

Do not panic if someone claims that your SIR form has an error or that your name could be removed from the voter list. Instead, independently verify the information through official channels.

Most importantly, never share your OTP, PIN, password, card details or banking credentials with an unknown caller and never install an unknown APK to complete voter verification.

FAQs About SIR Verification Scam

What is the SIR verification scam?

It is a type of cyber fraud in which scammers allegedly pose as election or voter verification officials and claim that a person’s SIR details need correction or verification.

Will a genuine SIR verification call ask for an OTP?

You should never share an OTP or other banking credentials with an unknown caller claiming to be an SIR verification official.

Should I install an APK sent for SIR verification?

No. Avoid installing APK files received from unknown sources or unsolicited messages.

What should I do if I lose money in an SIR scam?

Immediately contact your bank and report the incident through the 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline and the official cybercrime reporting portal.

Where can I report a cyber fraud?

You can report cybercrime through cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 for immediate assistance.