Cybercriminals are attempting to deceive citizens by posing as election officials under the guise of SIR-2026, according to a warning issued by Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, IPS. The alert comes as fraudsters exploit the electoral process to steal personal information and money from unsuspecting individuals through phone calls requesting sensitive data.
The police commissioner emphasized that no genuine election official will ever ask for OTP (One-Time Password) from voters. Citizens are being urged to remain vigilant and understand that their vote and personal information are equally critical and must be protected from such fraudulent attempts.
Authorities have issued strict instructions to the public never to share OTPs or banking details with anyone over phone calls, regardless of how legitimate the caller may appear. The warning highlights that a single carelessly shared OTP could put an individual’s money and personal information at severe risk, potentially leading to significant financial losses and identity theft.
Citizens who receive suspicious calls claiming to be related to SIR-2026 or any election-related matter are advised to immediately hang up and lodge a complaint by calling 1930, the national cybercrime helpline number. This prompt action can help authorities track and prevent further fraudulent activities targeting other citizens.
The Hyderabad Police has launched an awareness campaign urging citizens to spread the word about these scams among family members, friends, and neighbors. The campaign emphasizes three key points: no election official will request OTP, never share OTPs or banking details over phone calls, and report suspicious calls immediately to the helpline.
Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar stressed the importance of public awareness in his statement, reminding citizens that scammers are actively trying to steal identities in the name of electoral processes. He reiterated that staying vigilant and refusing to share sensitive information over phone calls is the first line of defense against these cybercriminals who are exploiting the trust people place in election-related communications.
