SIR OTP Scam: What It Is and How To Stay Safe During Voter List Revision
Authorities are warning against the 'SIR OTP Scam' during the Phase 3 voter revision across 16 states and 3 UTs. Scammers impersonating booth officials claim voter names will be deleted and steal banking data via OTPs or malicious links. Authorities clarify that the official process is free and never requires OTPs or financial details.
Scammers are exploiting the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to trick voters into sharing One-Time Passwords (OTPs) and installing malicious files. The fraud comes as Phase 3 of the SIR exercise is underway in 16 states and 3 Union Territories. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant, emphasizing that official voter revision processes never require financial transactions or the sharing of One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
The Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a door-to-door verification drive to update voter lists. In Phase 3, the process covers approximately 36.73 crore electors in states and UTs including Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Haryana, Jharkhand, and others. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) visit homes to collect and verify details.
What Is the SIR OTP Scam?
The scam primarily targets citizens by exploiting their fear of being removed from the official voter list. Fraudsters call or text victims, identifying themselves as Booth Level Officers (BLOs) or election representatives tasked with updating the electoral rolls under the SIR program.
During these interactions, scammers claim there is an error, a double entry, or an impending deletion of the victim's name from the voter registry. To "rectify" the issue, they demand the victim verify their identity by sharing an OTP sent to their mobile phone. In more advanced variations, targets are sent malicious links via SMS or WhatsApp, prompting them to download an Android Application Package (.apk) file to fill out voter forms digitally.
Once the victim shares the OTP or installs the file, the attackers gain unauthorized access to banking apps, digital wallets, or personal smartphones, enabling immediate financial theft.
Official Position
The Election Commission and state police have made it clear: No genuine BLO or EC official will ever ask for an OTP over the phone or via message. The SIR process does not require OTP verification, payments, or installation of any app. All legitimate work is done through physical forms during house visits or official government portals.
How To Stay Safe From SIR OTP Scam
⚠️ Your vote is precious. So is your personal information. Don’t let scammers steal your identity in the name of SIR-2026.
Remember:
🔹 No election official will ask for your OTP.
🔹 Never share OTPs or banking details over phone calls.
🔹 Hang up, report suspicious calls to… pic.twitter.com/ivzfCYcFVC
— V.C. Sajjanar, IPS (@SajjanarVC_IPS) July 9, 2026
How to Identify Legitimate Officials and Stay Safe
To protect against the SIR OTP scam, authorities recommend the following measures:
- Verify Official Identity: Actual BLOs carry official physical identity cards issued by the Election Commission when conducting house-to-house enumeration.
- Never Share Credentials: No legitimate election official will ever request an OTP, bank account password, or UPI PIN over the phone.
- Avoid Unknown Files and Links: Do not click on external links or download software application packages (.apk files) sent via messaging apps for voter services. Official digital modifications should only be processed through the verified Voters' Service Portal or the official Voter Helpline mobile application.
- No Fee Required: The entry, correction, or verification of names in the electoral roll during the SIR process is entirely free of charge. Any demand for payment is an immediate red flag.
Police in cities like Hyderabad and Bhopal have issued public advisories urging citizens to stay alert during the SIR drive. Citizens who encounter suspicious calls or fall victim to financial fraud are advised to immediately report the incident to the National Cyber Crime Helpline by dialing 1930 or filing a formal complaint at the official portal (cybercrime.gov.in). For verification regarding voter status, individuals can contact the dedicated Voter Helpline at 1950.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 13, 2026 02:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
