SP Kamaldeep Goyal issues a cyber safety advisory warning citizens against fake work-from-home scams targeting women and online job seekers.
SP Kamaldeep Goyal urges public not to share OTPs, banking details or install fake ‘SIR.apk’ app; advises reporting suspicious calls to cyber helpline 1930
Yamunanagar | Pen of Democracy News Desk
The Yamunanagar Police have issued a public advisory warning citizens against a new wave of cyber fraud linked to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls being conducted in various states across the country. Cybercriminals are allegedly exploiting the voter verification exercise by impersonating government officials and threatening people that their Voter ID cards will be cancelled unless they complete verification immediately.
Police spokesperson said fraudsters are posing as officials of the Election Commission of India, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) or other government representatives and are contacting people through phone calls, WhatsApp messages and SMS. Victims are falsely informed that failure to submit or verify their SIR forms within a specified time could result in the cancellation of their voter registration.
Superintendent of Police Kamaldeep Goyal said cyber criminals are using these scare tactics to steal sensitive personal and financial information from unsuspecting citizens.
“They ask people to share OTPs, Aadhaar numbers, bank account details, debit or credit card information and other confidential data under the pretext of voter verification. Once such information is disclosed, fraudsters may gain access to bank accounts, social media profiles and other digital platforms, leading to financial losses and identity theft,” he said.
The SP also warned that scammers are circulating a fake Android application named “SIR.apk” and persuading people to download and install it on their mobile phones.
“Installing such unauthorised applications can allow cyber criminals to remotely control the device, access sensitive information and carry out financial fraud,” Goyal cautioned.
The police clarified that the Election Commission of India or any other government agency never asks citizens to share OTPs, passwords, banking credentials or confidential personal information over phone calls, text messages or social media platforms.
Citizens have been advised to obtain and submit SIR forms only through authorised government channels and to ignore any suspicious calls, messages or links claiming to be related to voter verification.
The police have also urged the public to follow basic cyber safety practices, including avoiding unknown links, refraining from downloading applications from unverified sources and never sharing OTPs with anyone. Residents have also been encouraged to enable two-factor authentication on their banking and online accounts to enhance digital security.
SP Kamaldeep Goyal appealed to people to remain vigilant and spread awareness among family members, friends and neighbours so that more people can be protected from cyber fraud.
“Awareness and vigilance are the strongest safeguards against cybercrime. A few moments of caution can prevent significant financial loss and digital fraud,” he said.
The police further advised that anyone receiving suspicious calls, messages or links related to voter verification should immediately report the matter by calling the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930.
