Bengaluru: Fake ECI Officials Dupe Woman of INR 34.9 Lakh During SIR Verification
Cybercrime officials in Bengaluru have registered a case after an 82-year-old woman was defrauded of Rs 34.9 lakh by cyber fraudsters posing as Election Commission of India (ECI) officials conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) voter verification exercise.
An 82-year-old woman in Bengaluru has allegedly lost Rs 34.9 lakh to cyber fraudsters who impersonated officials of the Election Commission of India (ECI) during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation after the scammers reportedly exploited the voter verification exercise to deceive the elderly victim.
Fraud Carried Out Under Pretext of Voter Verification
According to the complaint, the woman received calls from individuals claiming to be Election Commission officials conducting voter verification under the SIR exercise. The fraudsters allegedly convinced her that her voter registration required immediate verification and persuaded her to share personal and banking details. Bengaluru Online Scam: Man Loses INR 56,000 After Downloading ‘Free Movie’ APK on WhatsApp.
Using a sense of urgency and official-sounding instructions, the accused reportedly induced the woman to transfer money through multiple transactions. She later realised she had been cheated and approached the police.
Police Launch Investigation
Bengaluru police have registered a case under relevant provisions related to cheating and cyber fraud. Investigators are examining bank transaction records, phone numbers and digital evidence to identify those behind the scam. Authorities have urged members of the public, particularly senior citizens, to remain vigilant against calls from people claiming to represent government agencies. Digital Arrest Scam in Bengaluru: Karnataka Police Bust International Digital Scam Targeting US Citizens, 16 Held.
Election Authorities Advise Caution
Officials have reiterated that the Election Commission does not ask voters to transfer money, disclose bank account details, share OTPs or provide confidential financial information during voter verification or electoral roll revision exercises.
Citizens have been advised to verify any communication through official Election Commission channels and immediately report suspicious calls or messages to the cybercrime helpline or local police.
Rising Threat of Government Impersonation Scams
The incident highlights a growing trend of cybercriminals impersonating government officials to exploit public trust in official processes. Experts say fraudsters often use ongoing administrative drives, such as voter verification, to create a false sense of urgency and manipulate victims into revealing sensitive information or making financial transactions.
Police have urged people to remain cautious and verify the identity of callers before acting on any request involving personal or financial details.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 03, 2026 08:21 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
